Stepbrother Reportedly Arrested in Connection with Carnival Cruise Death of 18-Year-Old Anna Kepner

Anna Kepner's mother speaks out as investigation remains shrouded in secrecy

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship has taken a shocking turn, with her stepbrother reportedly arrested and charged in connection with the case. Anna's father, Chris Kepner, confirmed the arrest, but details remain under wraps as the investigation continues. Anna's mother, Heather Wright, has expressed frustration at the lack of updates from prosecutors and her ex-husband, while the stepbrother's mother has criticized his release from custody.

Why it matters

The death of Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has sparked widespread speculation and concern, with the arrest of her stepbrother adding to the ongoing mystery. The case highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of investigating crimes that occur in international waters, where jurisdiction and information-sharing can be difficult.

The details

Authorities arrested and charged the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who tragically died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November. The stepbrother was spotted leaving juvenile court and entering adult federal court in Miami, dressed in a camouflage hoodie with his face hidden. Anna's mother, Heather Wright, has admitted she was 'misinformed' about the charges, and prosecutors and her ex-husband have not provided her with any new details, leaving her frustrated. The stepbrother's mother has criticized his release from custody, calling it 'deeply painful and disturbing' that someone she claims is responsible for Anna's death is apparently walking free.

  • In November, 18-year-old Anna Kepner died aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
  • In February 2026, the stepbrother was reportedly arrested and charged in connection with Anna's death.
  • On February 13, 2026, the stepbrother appeared in federal court in Miami as the investigation continues.

The players

Anna Kepner

An 18-year-old who tragically died aboard a Carnival cruise ship.

Chris Kepner

Anna Kepner's father, who confirmed the arrest of her stepbrother.

Heather Wright

Anna Kepner's biological mother, who has expressed frustration at the lack of updates on the case.

Anna Kepner's Stepbrother

A 16-year-old who was reportedly arrested and charged in connection with Anna's death.

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What they’re saying

“Heather Wright, the biological mother of Anna Kepner, has walked back her earlier claim that her daughter's stepbrother had been charged in connection with Anna's death, admitting she was 'misinformed.'”

— Heather Wright, Anna Kepner's Mother (theshaderoom.com)

“The stepbrother's mother slammed his release from custody. She called it 'deeply painful and disturbing' that someone she claims is responsible for Anna's death is apparently walking free.”

— Anna Kepner's Stepbrother's Mother (theshaderoom.com)

What’s next

Authorities have not yet formally accused the teen of any wrongdoing, and the investigation remains ongoing. The exact charges against the stepbrother and the details of the case remain under wraps due to the suspect's juvenile status.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has sparked a complex and ongoing investigation, with the arrest of her stepbrother adding to the mystery. The case highlights the challenges of investigating crimes that occur in international waters and the importance of transparency and communication with the victim's family.