The stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was discovered useless aboard a Carnival Cruise ship in November, was arrested and charged this week in reference to the case, in accordance with Anna Kepner’s father, who’s the stepfather of the suspect.
The stepbrother was launched to the custody of a guardian, Chris Kepner stated.
It is not identified what particular prices he’s going through.
The household of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was reported useless whereas aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Saturday, says they are going to bear in mind her as a cheerful, bubbly, straight-A scholar with a vivid future forward.
Kepner household
The household’s attorneys didn’t reply to requests for remark. All courtroom information are sealed as a result of the suspect was charged as a juvenile. The FBI, U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace and the native prosecutor’s workplace wouldn’t focus on the case.
Weeks after Anna Kepner’s demise on the cruise ship throughout a Caribbean trip, the stepbrother had been named a “suspect” by his mother and father in a courtroom submitting in an unrelated custody case.
The teenager lady’s demise was dominated a murder, in accordance with her demise certificates, which stated her demise was attributable to “mechanical asphyxia.”
On this Aug. 1, 2021, file photograph, the Carnival Horizon cruise ship is seen moored within the Port of Miami.
Daniel Slim/AFP through Getty Photos, FILE
The Florida teenager was on trip along with her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings and stepsiblings. She was discovered useless beneath a mattress, wrapped in a blanket and coated by life vests, in accordance with a safety supply briefed on the investigation.
Chris Kepner and his spouse, Shauntel, who’s the suspect’s organic mom and the stepmother of the sufferer, issued a prolonged assertion on Friday:
“We want to specific our honest gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Justice for his or her dedication, professionalism, and thoroughness within the investigation into the homicide of our daughter,” the assertion stated. We admire the seriousness, care, and integrity with which this case has been dealt with.
“The lack of our daughter is a ache that may by no means absolutely heal. She was taken from us in a violent and mindless manner, and our household has been completely modified. Our grief is overwhelming, and her absence is felt in each a part of our lives. No dad or mum ought to ever need to bury their little one, and no phrases can absolutely specific the depth of our loss.
“We consider in accountability and within the significance of justice being carried out. Our daughter deserves justice, and her life deserves to be honored by a full and honest authorized course of. We’re grateful to the investigators and prosecutors who’ve labored to uncover the reality and to make sure that this crime is handled with the seriousness it warrants.
“Presently, it’s deeply painful and disturbing to our household that the particular person accountable is ready to stroll freely. This actuality provides to our grief and outrage. It’s devastating to know that whereas we reside every single day with the lack of our little one, the person accountable has not but been absolutely held accountable. This solely strengthens our resolve to proceed looking for justice for our daughter.
“Throughout this investigation, we had been suggested by the FBI to stay quiet. We revered that request out of belief within the course of and in hopes that it could assist the investigation. Nevertheless, as grieving mother and father who proceed to reside with unanswered questions and ongoing ache, we are able to not stay silent. Our daughter’s life issues, and we are going to proceed to talk out to honor her, to hunt accountability, and to make sure that her case isn’t forgotten.
“Whereas this tragedy has deeply damage our household, we won’t let it tear us aside. Our focus stays on honoring our daughter’s reminiscence and looking for justice for her. We thank the FBI and the Division of Justice for his or her continued efforts, dedication, and dedication to this case.”
