Anna Kepner's Father Says Stepson Will Face Consequences if He’s Found to Be the Suspect in Her Death

As the FBI probes the homicide of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, her father is breaking his silence, revealing what he believes should happen if his own stepson is found connected to her death.

The family of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, whose death aboard a cruise ship was ruled a homicide, is speaking out as federal authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her final hours.

Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, 41, tells People he last saw his daughter on the night of November 6, 2025, when the family gathered for dinner on the Carnival Horizon. The following afternoon, a housekeeper made a devastating discovery: Anna's body was found hidden under a bed.

Father Speaks Out on Stepson's Possible Involvement

According to Anna's death certificate, obtained by People, she died from "mechanical asphyxiation by other person(s)," officially classifying her death as a homicide. The FBI has been leading the investigation but has not named a suspect or person of interest.

In unrelated court filings, Christopher's wife, Anna's stepmother, indicated that her 16-year-old son may be under scrutiny in connection with the case. Christopher declined to confirm or deny whether his stepson could be involved, but he made his stance unmistakably clear.

"I do not stand behind what my stepson has done," he says. "I want him to face the consequences ... I will be fighting to make sure that does happen."

When asked whether he believes his stepson may be responsible for Anna's death, Christopher says he cannot make a definitive claim but acknowledges the circumstances.

"I cannot say that he is responsible but I can't decline," he explains. "He was the only one that was in the room, and the FBI has an ongoing investigation in which they will have to provide the evidence to say that he did do it or did not do this."

He adds that his stepson had always seemed like "a normal kid" and that he never expected something so tragic could happen.

The FBI has not released additional details and previously confirmed to People that the case is under investigation but offered no further comment.

Christopher says the family is waiting for the investigation to run its course. "Right now, my best course of action is to let the FBI do what they're doing," he says. "They have the evidence that they need. When they make the arrest then we'll start seeing the justice side of things."

Remembering Anna: 'Bubbly, Funny, Outgoing'

Beyond the investigation, Anna's loved ones are mourning a young woman remembered for her bright spirit and authenticity. Her obituary describes her as "bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself" and notes that "she never had a filter, and that was part of her charm."

The family did not create a GoFundMe following her passing. Instead, community members were invited to leave flowers on Anna's car at Temple Christian School. Donations were encouraged through North Brevard Funeral Home, which handled her arrangements.

A celebration of life was held on November 20, 2025, at The Grove Church in Titusville, Florida, where friends and family gathered to honor her memory.