The tragic case of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old cheerleader who died aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 8, 2025, continues to unfold with alarming revelations. Anna’s younger stepbrother, 16, has emerged as a suspect in her death and is reported to have had a disturbing obsession with her. Steven Westin, the father of Anna’s ex-boyfriend Joshua, disclosed to “Inside Edition” that the stepbrother had previously shown inappropriate behavior, including climbing on top of Anna while she slept during a FaceTime call.
Westin described the young man as being “obsessed” with Anna, claiming he relentlessly pursued her despite their newly blended family dynamics. Alarmingly, Westin noted that Anna expressed fear towards her stepbrother since he often carried a large knife, raising serious concerns about her safety.
The FBI has stepped in to question the stepbrother in connection with Anna’s untimely death, which occurred while the ship was returning to Port Miami. Her body was discovered concealed under her bed and covered with life vests, as outlined in court documents provided by her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson.
Anna, who was set to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, had been on the cruise with her father, stepmother, and siblings. The circumstances surrounding her death are under rigorous investigation by the FBI, as they gather evidence and information from those involved.
The aftermath of Anna’s death has been devastating for her family. Her biological mother, Heather Kepner, expressed her determination to attend her daughter’s funeral despite being barred due to family tensions. She shared her emotional struggle of not seeing Anna regularly over the past years but emphasized her pride in her daughter’s aspirations to join the U.S. Navy and become a K-9 police officer. “She was a really good child. She never really complained about much… Just always happy,” Heather remarked, reflecting on Anna’s positive spirit.
As investigations continue, the community and those who knew Anna are left to grapple with the shocking circumstances of her death, hoping for justice and answers in this heartbreaking case.