FL - Anna Kepner, 18, dies aboard Carnival cruise ship traveling from Miami to Caribbean, FBI launch probe, 7 Nov 2025

[su5ie]

Yes; and we can look at the lives of this step mom and dad and clearly see that they don't "follow the rules" in general. We know the dad hasn't in a long time. Sex with the 15 year old babysitter for one example. When it was revealed that Anna was sexually assaulted by her first step mother's bf, my first thought was wondering how Tabitha reacted to that, having been 15 when she herself was first assaulted (and any "willingness" on her part is immaterial as adults are responsible to know better). Was Anna blamed for the bf messing with her?

Since the judge declined to close Shauntelle's custody hearing, we should soon be learning alot more. Her ex-husband and father of her children claimed that the teens were allowed to drink alcohol on the cruise and there may be much more lax and/or negligent parenting choices to be revealed.

Personally, I tend toward thinking the 14 year old didn't alert the parents to the awful fighting he heard in the cabin because fighting was a common routine way of life for them. As long as they didn't kill each other, it was juat no big deal, kids will be kids. You know, "caring for each other in the right ways". Whoops...

Sometimes there is a mentality in dysfunctional relationships of " if we are not fighting it shows we don't care " or we only fight because we love each other so much "

 

[Ghostwheel]

Sometimes there is a mentality in dysfunctional relationships of " if we are not fighting it shows we don't care " or we only fight because we love each other so much "

I could not agree more. While I have no actual knowledge of this family, I do have a friend who thinks "love" is bring belittled and yelled at because this was her family life. It is so hard to see her verbally abused by people she calls "friend".

We are all only as good/bad as our own experience makes us. We (the generic "we") either figure out which parts were not optimal or we don't, and that often doesn't happen until children leave the nest.

Btw, there is nothing wrong with a disagreement, even a loud one, imo. But if one fears anything being thrown, that should be a "run for help". But kids don't rat on kids, especially teens. And especially if you think you will get beat up on if you did. JMO, based on being a teenager at one point in my life.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

By these rules, having Anna, the 14 yo and the 16 yo in the same cabin without a 25 year old would also not be allowed. "14 years of age and younger Must be booked with a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older) in the same cabin or a connecting cabin."

Definitely not following the rules. Cases like these rather show why the rules exist, I suppose.

I noticed that, too, and wondered if the 14-year-old was closer to 15. In that case, the age requirement might have been waived given the close proximity of their cabin to the parents.

 

[Arkay]

By these rules, having Anna, the 14 yo and the 16 yo in the same cabin without a 25 year old would also not be allowed. "14 years of age and younger Must be booked with a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older) in the same cabin or a connecting cabin."

Definitely not following the rules. Cases like these rather show why the rules exist, I suppose.

Right.
And the connecting cabins work IF the door between them stays UNLOCKED so that a parent or other adult can enter if they need to do so.
JMO and experience.

 

[lonetraveler]

One thing that I'm thankful for is that Anna's room was not a balcony room. I feel like if it had been a balcony room the step-brother would have thrown her body overboard.

 

[mickey2942]

I wonder when the murderer will be charged? And would it be federal charges? Since the crime seems to be under the jurisdiction of the FBI. I wonder what the difference is, federal charges, would a 16 year old still be considered a child or adult under federal charges?

So, if charged and convicted, federal prison, not state prison.

 

[Kemug]

Oh dear, Mickey, you forgot to say "alleged"!

 

[katyy]

Just my own speculation about what may have happened (purely based on my experience working with 16-18 year olds for many years): Anna went back to her cabin, she got changed/ready for bed. Step-brother tried opening the bathroom door whilst Anna was in there, tried to sneak a peak, or oogled her when she was in sleepwear. Anna makes some comments/remarks like "ew you're such a perv", something she says hits a nerve for step-brother who may already have anger issues. Anna continues making (possibly factual) comments about him, he gets more worked up and angry, he screams at her to "shut the hell up" and then chokes her (obviously not a normal, nor defendable, reaction!).
All just my own opinion about what may have happened, which I feel fits with the snippets of info we've got so far.

 

[miss marble]

Yes; and we can look at the lives of this step mom and dad and clearly see that they don't "follow the rules" in general. We know the dad hasn't in a long time. Sex with the 15 year old babysitter for one example. When it was revealed that Anna was sexually assaulted by her first step mother's bf, my first thought was wondering how Tabitha reacted to that, having been 15 when she herself was first assaulted (and any "willingness" on her part is immaterial as adults are responsible to know better). Was Anna blamed for the bf messing with her?

Since the judge declined to close Shauntelle's custody hearing, we should soon be learning alot more. Her ex-husband and father of her children claimed that the teens were allowed to drink alcohol on the cruise and there may be much more lax and/or negligent parenting choices to be revealed.

Personally, I tend toward thinking the 14 year old didn't alert the parents to the awful fighting he heard in the cabin because fighting was a common routine way of life for them. As long as they didn't kill each other, it was juat no big deal, kids will be kids. You know, "caring for each other in the right ways". Whoops...

Bbm, agree with your post but an adult doesn't "have sex with a 15 year old babysitter" it is statutory rape because it's not possible for a minor to give consent by law.

As you go onto say, the Father's previous predatory behaviour has normalised sexual abuse of children in this dysfunctional family and helped create the conditions for this awful tragedy.

 

[mickey2942]

Oh dear, Mickey, you forgot to say "alleged"!

Based on the articles, everything is pretty much a done deal.

1. Video cameras on ship verification of who went in the room.
2. Eyewitness, 14 year old who heard altercation. And unable to get into room because of the deadbolt.
3. Testimony from family that 16 YO "doesn't remember anything" and went immediately to a hospital.

Cheerleader 'fought for her life' as she was killed on cruise ship

As authorities investigate the murder, Anna Kepner's aunt, Krystal Wright, spoke out about what she believes may have unfolded in her niece's final moments.

www.dailymail.co.uk

I am actually quite worried about the younger 14 year old. I hope he gets out of that dysfunctional home environment to a normal place, and gets therapy and support.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

One thing that I'm thankful for is that Anna's room was not a balcony room. I feel like if it had been a balcony room the step-brother would have thrown her body overboard.

That would only work if there was no obstruction below the stateroom. We always get balcony staterooms, and most have protruding decks below. It would take a mighty hefty toss to make sure the victim actually ended up in the water. Upper deck of the vessel near pools usually have no obstruction below or all the way aft (stern, rear of ship) on upper decks. Consider the scene in Titanic where Rose is threatening to jump overboard. There are areas on most ships where guests can look directly down into the water.

 

[lonetraveler]

That would only work if there was no obstruction below the stateroom. We always get balcony staterooms, and most have protruding decks below. It would take a mighty hefty toss to make sure the victim actually ended up in the water. Upper deck of the vessel near pools usually have no obstruction below or all the way aft (stern, rear of ship) on upper decks. Consider the scene in Titanic where Rose is threatening to jump overboard. There are areas on most ships where guests can look directly down into the water.

Yep

 

[katsrfun]

Yep

DBM

 

[Hexe]

Anna went back to her cabin, she got changed/ready for bed. Step-brother tried opening the bathroom door whilst Anna was in there, tried to sneak a peak, or oogled her when she was in sleepwear.

Considering the door were deadbolted, I'd say the step-bro had something worse than just ogling in mind. And Anna probably said she will scream her head off, hence the "shut up" remark from the step.

 

[Gemmie]

Considering the door were deadbolted, I'd say the step-bro had something worse than just ogling in mind. And Anna probably said she will scream her head off, hence the "shut up" remark from the step.

I totally agree. If there was no premeditation to what Tim might do when alone with Anna, then why was the door deadbolted? It wouldn't be, IMO, as there'd be no reason for it to be locked. Also, if it hadn't been locked, and everything was innocent and normal at first, I can't see him quickly locking the door while things are escalating.

That tells me that he knew what he was going to do. Maybe murder wasn't on his mind and it escalated to that, but doors are locked for a reason. To keep people out.

 

[su5ie]

If the door was deadbolted shut that will be the deciding factor on whether it will be a murder or manslaughter charge I would imagine and most likely will be how the prosecution will argue intent

 

[Chypre]

I have never been on a cruise.
I'm thinking from my perspective of being taught to immediately lock my door after coming inside my home, and especially while traveling.
Is entering a cruise bedroom and immediately deadbolting the door the same intensity of habit as stepping in your hotel room, locking the door, and then flipping the added latch?
It's a habit like turning on or turning off lights when you leave the room.

 

[Gemmie]

I have never been on a cruise.
I'm thinking from my perspective of being taught to immediately lock my door after coming inside my home, and especially while traveling.
Is entering a cruise bedroom and immediately deadbolting the door the same intensity of habit as stepping in your hotel room, locking the door, and then flipping the added latch?
It's a habit like turning on or turning off lights when you leave the room.

For some people (not enough IMO) it's a habit, but for 3 teenagers (specifically these 3 from what I've read of their home lives)... doubt it.

The fact that it was locked with just Anna and the 16 year old inside tells me all I need to know. It was done on purpose, and not with good intentions IMO.

 

[su5ie]

I can't remember but did Anna and Tim enter the room together or separately

 

[Gemmie]

I can't remember but did Anna and Tim enter the room together or separately

I thought Anna left dinner early because she either wasn't feeling well, or her braces hurt her (I've seen both). And the 2 boys went in to change into swimwear, with the younger leaving the room first, leaving Tim behind with Anna.