Episode Details

Everything about the Anna Kepner case is sealed—but defense attorney Bob Motta can still explain what's happening and what comes next.

Anna Kepner, 14, died aboard the Carnival Horizon in November 2024. The medical examiner ruled it homicide by mechanical asphyxiation. Her 16-year-old stepbrother appeared in federal court on February 6th, 2025, and was released to guardian custody on pretrial supervision. No charges have been publicly confirmed. The family's own statements have contradicted each other.

Bob joins us live to break down federal juvenile proceedings—what happens in that courtroom, why everything is sealed, and what information families typically receive. He explains the FBI's decision to keep this case federal rather than handing it to state prosecutors, and what that jurisdictional choice signals about the government's assessment.

Text messages from custody proceedings revealed the suspect reportedly claims no memory of the night Anna died. Testimony indicated he had ADHD and hadn't taken his insomnia medication for two nights on the cruise. Bob analyzes these potential defense factors in real time.

The family situation is unlike anything we've seen: the suspect's biological mother is married to the victim's father. They've jointly called for accountability—meaning the suspect's own mother is publicly supporting his prosecution. Bob addresses how this extraordinary dynamic affects both defense and prosecution strategies.

We take your questions and provide analysis as this case moves toward its next phase.

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.