UPDATE: Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother Reportedly Arrested & Charged As Her Mother Speaks Out (VIDEOS)

The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship has taken a shocking turn. Her stepbrother was recently arrested in connection with the case, according to Anna’s father, Chris Kepner. And, the story is leaving the internet reeling. As more details remain under wraps, the teen’s death—initially ruled a homicide—has ignited widespread speculation and concern.

RELATED: Teen Suspect In Stepsister’s Carnival Cruise Ship Death Claims He Doesn’t Remember What Happened, Texts Claim

Stepbrother Arrested After Teen’s Carnival Cruise Death

Authorities arrested and charged the stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who tragically died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November, the teen’s father, Chris Kepner, confirmed. Sources say authorities released the teen into a guardian’s custody, but they have not clarified the exact charges, leaving the investigation—and family drama—shrouded in secrecy.

Stepbrother Spotted In Court Amid Ongoing Investigation

Additionally, the stepbrother of Florida teen Anna Kepner appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday, as investigators continue digging into the shocking circumstances of her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Three months after 18-year-old Anna Kepner died aboard the Carnival Horizon during a family vacation, authorities saw her 16-year-old stepbrother leaving juvenile court and entering adult federal court, dressed in a camouflage hoodie with his face hidden beneath a low-pulled baseball cap and hood.

Anna Kepner’s Mom Speaks Out

Heather Wright, the biological mother of Anna Kepner, has walked back her earlier claim that her daughter’s stepbrother had been charged in connection with Anna’s death, admitting she was “misinformed.” She added that prosecutors and her ex-husband haven’t updated her on the case or provided any new details, leaving her frustrated and in the dark. Meanwhile, the stepbrother’s mother slammed his release from custody. She called it “deeply painful and disturbing” that someone she claims is responsible for Anna’s death is apparently walking free. Authorities have not yet formally accused the teen of any wrongdoing.

More Details From Anna Kepner’s Case

As previously reported, just weeks after Anna’s death during a Caribbean vacation in November, authorities named her stepbrother a “suspect” in court filings from an unrelated custody case. Sources briefed on the investigation say authorities found the Florida teen under a bed. Investigators found her body wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.

Furthermore, the family released a statement expressing gratitude to the FBI and Department of Justice for their handling of the case. Meanwhile, court records remain sealed due to the suspect’s juvenile status. Questions remain about the exact charges, and authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local prosecutor, have declined to comment.

RELATED: Cause Of Death Reportedly Revealed For Slain Carnival Cruise Teenager As More Claims Surface About Her Stepbrother