Daijiworld Media Network - Florida

Florida, Feb 7: The stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival Cruise ship during a Caribbean vacation in November, has been arrested and charged in connection with the case, her father Chris Kepner has confirmed.

The suspect, who is a juvenile, was released into the custody of a guardian. The exact charges remain undisclosed as court records are sealed, and authorities, including the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and local prosecutors, have declined to comment.

Anna’s death was earlier ruled a homicide, with her death certificate citing mechanical asphyxia as the cause. She was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests, according to a security source familiar with the investigation.

Weeks after her death, the stepbrother had been named a suspect by his parents in a court filing related to an unrelated custody dispute. Anna, a Florida resident, had been on vacation with her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings and stepsiblings at the time of the incident.

In a joint statement, Chris Kepner and his wife Shauntel — the biological mother of the suspect and stepmother of the victim — thanked the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice for their handling of the investigation, while expressing anguish that the accused is currently free.

“The loss of our daughter is a pain that will never fully heal. She was taken from us in a violent and senseless way,” the statement said, adding that the family remains committed to seeking justice and accountability.

The parents also revealed that they had remained silent during the probe at the FBI’s request but decided to speak out now to ensure that their daughter’s case is not forgotten.

Investigations into the case are continuing.