More than a week after a crew member of the Carnival Horizon cruise ship found the body of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, reports indicate investigators may have a suspect. Sadly, it doesn’t appear Anna was the victim of a random attack on board. Instead, it looks as if a member of her extended family could have been the person who killed her. Many are wondering how something like this happens to a seemingly happy family.
The FBI began investigating Anna Kepner’s death very early on, per ABC News. Her stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, was reportedly due in court for a custody hearing in an unrelated case, and new court documents revealed something interesting.
“The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action,” the filing explained. “Any testimony the Respondent may give, either written or oral, could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation, therefore the Respondent cannot be compelled to testify.”
Investigators have not released a cause or manner of death. CBS News reported a housekeeper found Anna Kepner’s body under the bed in her stateroom. She and her father, stepmother, and three stepsiblings were vacationing together when she died.
A man named Martin Donohue posted a story on X, claiming to be the teen’s uncle. He also alleged that a stepbrother killed Anna Kepner.
“I need everyone’s help on this. If you haven’t heard this story then you have been living under a rock. This is my niece Anna Kepner she was 18 and was on a cruise with her dad step mom and other family members. I can not stay silent about this matter any longer,” he wrote in the post. “The step mom son killed her stuffed her naked beaten body in a sheet and stuffed her under a bed and covered her with life jackets. Then slept on that bed like nothing happened. He told his step mom when no one could fine Anna on the ship. So yes they know who did this and it sickens me that the father Chris remains silent about it.
“Please pass this on till maybe it gets to someone that can do something about it,” Donohue added. “If nothing is done it will all come out on the 20th at least that’s what the step mom has said after treating family if they talk before that they will be banded for the remembrance of life for Anna. Please pass this so my family can get closure and the people who did this and lied and staled to tell the rest of us what happened when it did. Now you just look all guilty of a cover up.”
Many congratulated Donohue on having the courage to post what he believes to be the truth.
“Wow!! I am so sorry!! I am so glad you are brave enough to stand up and do whats right!” someone commented.
“Kudos for getting this information out there!! I’m so sorry about your niece. Praying for you all!” another person agreed.
Anna Kepner had plans for a future after high school, and someone stole that from her. Hopefully, the truth will come out and justice will prevail.
