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

[Hexe]

The ABC News article states hes been charged as a juvenile, which is shocking and maddening.

If this kid walks away with just a slap on the wrist the next victim is just a matter of time.

MOO

 

[Lisbeth_S]

Why all this secrecy?
We have seen countless juvenile defendants' cases out in the open, so why is this case different?
Is it because it's federal?

 

[PayrollNerd]

Why all this secrecy?
We have seen countless juvenile defendants' cases out in the open, so why is this case different?
Is it because it's federal?

It's because he's a juvenile combined with it being federal.

I'm super curious to know why he's being charged as a juvenile. He murdered his step sister. He is mature enough to know right from wrong. The parents haven't stated he's nonverbal, combative, didn't know what he was doing sort of teen. That's not to say it isn't but if they're going with that angle and he's never been diagnosed, that's gonna be a hard sell.

Just my opinion.

 

[Vaderman]

Pretrial release?????

How is that possible????

Yeah, this is some serious B.S. Again, it feels like his rights and feels matter more than AK's...

 

[Vaderman]

Why all this secrecy?
We have seen countless juvenile defendants' cases out in the open, so why is this case different?
Is it because it's federal?

I have a thought. But I'm not sure how/where it falls in the victim friendly stance we have here.

 

[mickey2942]

I have a thought. But I'm not sure how/where it falls in the victim friendly stance we have here.

"Victim friendly"? When discussing the murderer of Anna Kepner?

 

[Lisbeth_S]

If this poor girl had a real family, they would be out there rallying for him to be held responsible as an adult.
But she has no one...none of the adults in her life are taking her side even in death.
It's sickening.

 

[Vaderman]

Released to a guardian:

Anna Kepner's Stepbrother Arrested Following Her Death on Cruise Ship

The stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival Cruise ship late last year, was arrested and charged this week, according to reports citing Anna's father, who is the stepfather of the suspect.

www.tmz.com

After his court appearance, the stepbrother was released to the custody of a guardian, according to ABC News.

 

[Hexe]

The parents haven't stated he's nonverbal, combative, didn't know what he was doing sort of teen.

Just wanted to kindly request not to conflate being non verbal with being intellectually disabled. Many non verbal people are in the intellectual norm and are perfectly capable of telling right from wrong.

There is no evidence though that the step brother has any intellectual disability or a mental illness that would hamper his cognition.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Just wanted to kindly request not to conflate being non verbal with being intellectually disabled. Many non verbal people are in the intellectual norm and are perfectly capable of telling right from wrong.

There is no evidence though that the step brother has any intellectual disability or a mental illness that would hamper his cognition.

Yes I understand. That’s my point exactly, these parents haven’t tried to claim anything yet regarding their son’s behavior. So IF they were to now possibly claim something, to ensure he’s in juvenile court, rather than adult court, particularly if there’s never been a diagnosis prior to, then it’s a hard sell. I’m not saying they have, or that they will. But it sure is suspect given his age. JMO

I appreciate where you’re coming from also as I have a child that has a number of issues but is doing well.

 

[Pyrite]

Just wanted to kindly request not to conflate being non verbal with being intellectually disabled. Many non verbal people are in the intellectual norm and are perfectly capable of telling right from wrong.

There is no evidence though that the step brother has any intellectual disability or a mental illness that would hamper his cognition.

How well would a non-verbal 16 year old be able to help with his or her case preparation?

 

[iamshadow21]

How well would a non-verbal 16 year old be able to help with his or her case preparation?

Pretty well, depending on the individual. See the Brianna Ghey case in the UK the other year.

MOO