She was supposed to come home with sunburn and stories. Instead, Anna Kepner came home in a body bag.
New forensic findings obtained exclusively by this outlet reveal the 18-year-old’s blood was found in places it had no business being — and on a person who claims he “nothing happened.”

The night of November 6–7, 2025, aboard Carnival Horizon: 10:20 p.m. – Anna returns to Cabin 8341 alone. 10:45 p.m. – Stepbrother Matthew (16) enters. 11:13 p.m. – Matthew exits. 11:17 p.m. – Estimated time of death.
In that 28-minute window, every camera covering the hallway outside the cabin went dark. Not one frame exists.
When technicians finally restored feed, they discovered something else: microscopic blood transfer on two crew-only access panels — one leading to service corridors passengers never see. Lab matches confirm it’s Anna’s.
Matthew was medically examined when the ship docked. A faint but distinct blood smear — Anna’s — was found on the back of his right hand. He told nurses he “must have scratched himself.”
The family is now fractured beyond repair. Anna’s father wants Matthew prosecuted as an adult. Matthew’s biological father is fighting to keep him in juvenile custody. And the cruise line is quietly offering settlements while the FBI tears apart server rooms in Miami.
Anna’s cheer coach started a GoFundMe titled “Justice for Anna — She Deserved to Come Home.” It hit $600,000 in 48 hours.
This isn’t just another cruise tragedy. It’s the story of a girl who trusted her new family — and the system that looked the other way until it was too late.