Overview
- Kepner, 18, was found on Nov. 7 under a bed in her Carnival Horizon stateroom, reportedly wrapped in a blanket with life vests on top.
- A 16-year-old stepbrother identified in reports and court filings as a suspect shared the cabin with her and could be charged.
- Preliminary reporting points to death by asphyxiation with two neck bruises; toxicology and the medical examiner’s conclusions remain pending.
- Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, electronic key-card logs and cellphone data; the FBI confirms its investigation and Carnival says it is cooperating.
- No arrest has been reported; the teen was taken to a hospital after the ship docked in Miami as his mother sought to delay a custody hearing citing potential criminal charges.