What Happened to Anna Kepner on the Carnival Horizon?

In November 2025, 18-year-old Anna Kepner boarded the Carnival Horizon cruise ship with her family for a six-night Caribbean vacation. On the final sea day, she was found dead, hidden under her bed inside her own cabin. Surveillance footage reportedly showed only one person entering and leaving the stateroom during that window: her 16-year-old stepbrother.

The FBI took over the investigation, and federal homicide charges were eventually filed against the minor suspect. But as the legal process unfolded, court filings, leaked messages, and accusations from family members revealed a much more complicated picture of what was happening inside that household long before anyone boarded that ship.

In this episode, Ashley and Ricky break down the full timeline of Anna Kepner's case. The family cruise, the discovery, the cause of death, the suspect's mental health history and missed medication, the explosive custody battle between the parents, the social media firestorm, and the questions that still have no answers.

Anna was a diver, a cheerleader, a Georgia Bulldogs fan, and an aspiring Navy recruit and K-9 officer from Titusville, Florida. She was 18 years old with her whole life ahead of her. She deserves to be remembered for who she was.

Content Warning: This episode discusses violence, domestic abuse, and the death of a young person.

If you have information related to this case, contact the FBI Miami Field Office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov

Thanks to our sponsors

Miracle Made Sheets: Head to TryMiracle.com/CRIMESALAD

You'll save over 40%, and when you use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout, you'll get an extra 20% off plus a FREE three-piece towel set.

AquaTru: Get 20% off a countertop water purifier at AquaTru.com

 with promo code CRIMESALAD 30-day money-back guarantee

Warby Parker: Get 15% off + free shipping when you buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/SALAD

Quince: Go to Quince.com/crimesalad For free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices