Anna Kepner’s heartbroken dad wants 16-year-old stepson to ‘face the consequences’ in cruise ship slaying
Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, is still reeling from the loss of his 18‑year‑old stepdaughter while also grappling with the possibility that her 16‑year‑old stepbrother could be involved. In an interview with People, the 41‑year‑old expressed his pain and determination:
“I do not stand behind what my stepson has done,” he said, and added, “I want him to face the consequences … I will be fighting to make sure that does happen.”
The tragedy unfolded when Anna was found dead on the Carnival Horizon on November 7, a day after a family dinner on board. The deceased body was discovered hidden under her cabin bed, wrapped in a blanket that covered life vests. Official records later ruled her death a homicide, indicating “mechanical asphyxiation by other person(s)” on November 6.
Evidence suggests the FBI is looking into Anna’s stepbrother, who shared a cabin with her that night. Christopher, who says the boy was “a normal kid,” reported that the suspect was the only one present in the room when the incident occurred. He stressed that only a thorough investigation—one that provides concrete proof—can determine whether the son was or was not responsible.
Anna’s younger brother, aged fourteen, described hearing yelling and chairs being thrown in the shared stateroom, and later learned his sister was dead. According to Anna’s ex‑boyfriend, Joshua Westin, her former partner, she had told him months earlier that she felt unsafe around her stepbrother. Westin’s father adds that the boy allegedly harassed Anna, had a “twisted obsession” with her, and was known for always carrying a large knife, claiming his son was “infatuated, attracted to her like crazy” and had always wanted to date her.
The young woman was a devoted Christian who had been baptized just months before her death, was on track to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, and had plans to join the U.S. Navy and pursue a career as a K‑9 police officer.
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