Video above: Latest coverage on Anna Kepner On Nov. 8, an 18-year-old from Central Florida was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship while vacationing with her family.She was identified as Anna Kepner from Titusville. Who was Anna KepnerKepner was a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville. She was a cheerleader and described as a “bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom,” Temple Christian School posted on Facebook. Kepner’s birth mother, Heather Wright, described her daughter as a great girl who never got into trouble.”She always wanted to make people laugh. She loved the water; we were constantly going to the lake here where I live so she could go swimming,” Wright said.About the suspectKepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother was named a suspect in the death.A court document filed in the divorce case of Kepner’s stepmother, who was on the cruise with her, says, “An extremely sensitive and severe circumstance has arisen wherein the Respondent/Mother will not be able to testify at the hearing at this time.”It further notes that Kepner was on the cruise with her stepmother and her minor children, adding, “She has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action.”The document indicates that the stepmother cannot testify as it could be prejudicial for her child in the criminal case.Birth mother speaks outThe birth mother of Kepner learned of her daughter’s death through an online search.”I found out through Google. I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise,” said Heather Wright, Anna Kepner’s mother.Wright has not heard from Anna’s father or the FBI since her daughter’s death.Wright is desperate for answers about what happened to Kepner, and autopsy results from the medical examiner are expected on Thursday, which could explain how Kepner died.Lawyer seeks to block release of informationThe lawyer for the stepmother of Kepner is asking a judge to block the release of more information about the case.The stepmother is seeking to have any further filings referencing the minor child or parties involved submitted under seal to prevent public access to certain records.The document aims to prohibit either party from discussing, disclosing, or posting information concerning the family and court proceedings until the criminal investigation concludes.Celebration of lifePeople gathered at a Church in Titusville to remember Kepner on Nov. 20.Family and friends wore blue in Kepner’s honor as they entered the Grove Church in Titusville.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —
Video above: Latest coverage on Anna Kepner
On Nov. 8, an 18-year-old from Central Florida was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship while vacationing with her family.
She was identified as Anna Kepner from Titusville.
Who was Anna Kepner
Kepner was a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville.
She was a cheerleader and described as a “bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom,” Temple Christian School posted on Facebook.
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Kepner’s birth mother, Heather Wright, described her daughter as a great girl who never got into trouble.
“She always wanted to make people laugh. She loved the water; we were constantly going to the lake here where I live so she could go swimming,” Wright said.
About the suspect
Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother was named a suspect in the death.
A court document filed in the divorce case of Kepner’s stepmother, who was on the cruise with her, says, “An extremely sensitive and severe circumstance has arisen wherein the Respondent/Mother will not be able to testify at the hearing at this time.”
It further notes that Kepner was on the cruise with her stepmother and her minor children, adding, “She has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action.”
The document indicates that the stepmother cannot testify as it could be prejudicial for her child in the criminal case.
Birth mother speaks out
The birth mother of Kepner learned of her daughter’s death through an online search.
“I found out through Google. I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise,” said Heather Wright, Anna Kepner’s mother.
Wright has not heard from Anna’s father or the FBI since her daughter’s death.
Wright is desperate for answers about what happened to Kepner, and autopsy results from the medical examiner are expected on Thursday, which could explain how Kepner died.
Lawyer seeks to block release of information
The lawyer for the stepmother of Kepner is asking a judge to block the release of more information about the case.
The stepmother is seeking to have any further filings referencing the minor child or parties involved submitted under seal to prevent public access to certain records.
The document aims to prohibit either party from discussing, disclosing, or posting information concerning the family and court proceedings until the criminal investigation concludes.
Celebration of life
People gathered at a Church in Titusville to remember Kepner on Nov. 20.
Family and friends wore blue in Kepner’s honor as they entered the Grove Church in Titusville.