Crime House Daily

First Watch: She Went on a Cruise and Never Came Home—Anna Kepner

Host: Katie Ring
Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

In this First Watch episode, Katie Ring explores two recent, headline-grabbing cases: the mysterious murder of 18-year-old Anna Kepner during a family cruise in the Caribbean, and a horrific attack on a young woman, Bethany McGee, aboard a Chicago L train. The episode offers an in-depth look at both investigations, touching on the ripple effects in the communities and families involved and raising tough questions about justice, accountability, and safety.

Case 1: The Cruise Ship Murder of Anna Kepner

Background & Timeline

• [02:43] Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old straight-A student and athlete from Titusville, Florida, boards the Carnival Horizon with her family for a Caribbean holiday.
• Anna shared a stateroom with her 14-year-old brother and 16-year-old stepbrother, who remain unnamed.
• The cruise was smooth until November 6, when Anna left dinner early due to discomfort from her braces and later hung out with her grandmother in the casino.

The Evening That Changed Everything

• Late Night, November 6:
  • Anna returns to her shared cabin.
  • A violent altercation erupts between Anna and her stepbrother. Her younger brother, locked outside, hears shouting and furniture being thrown.
  • The fight ends without resolution, and Anna is not seen again.

The Discovery & Crime Scene

• [06:00] The next morning, Anna is missing at breakfast. A housekeeper discovers her body—wrapped in a blanket, covered by life jackets, and hidden under a bed.
• Anna is pronounced dead at 11:17am on November 7, 2025.

Medical Findings

• The cause of death: mechanical asphyxiation (strangulation via arm pressure).
• Anna was found unclothed, but the coroner found no evidence of sexual assault, drugs, or alcohol.

Notable Quote

"Her cause of death was something called mechanical asphyxiation. And based on the bruises on the side of her neck, the ME believed someone had strangled her by pressing an arm across her neck."
— Katie Ring [06:50]

Immediate Aftermath

• The family is devastated; Anna's stepbrother is reportedly so distraught that he cannot speak or recall the previous night.
• Anna’s ex-boyfriend Joshua reveals to the media that Anna had spoken of regular sexual harassment by her stepbrother—a claim Anna allegedly never told her family for fear of retaliation.

Notable Quote

"Apparently, Anna had never gotten along with her 16 year old stepbrother and in fact, she hated being around him because he sexually harassed her on a regular basis."
— Katie Ring, attributing to Joshua [11:05]

Community Response

• Anna’s car remained in her high school's parking lot as a memorial; classmates decorated it with flowers and balloons.

Investigation Developments

• FBI involvement is required, as the incident occurred in international waters.
• The FBI reviews security footage and keycard activity; details remain under wraps.
• [13:15] Legal drama ensues:
  • Anna’s stepbrother is specifically named as a suspect in custody documents related to a separate family dispute.
  • Anna’s father evades a subpoena but eventually appears in court without comment.
  • Judge formally confirms the stepbrother as a suspect.

Notable Quote

"A Florida judge confirmed that Anna's stepbrother is a suspect in her case. There's still a lot more ahead for this case and we'll have all of the major updates for you as they come in."
— Katie Ring [14:55]

Case 2: Chicago L-Train Attack on Bethany McGee

Background

• [15:00] 26-year-old Bethany McGee, from Upland, Indiana, lives in Chicago. On November 17, 2025, she becomes the target of a violent assault.

The Attack

• Bethany is quietly riding the Blue Line train when 50-year-old Lawrence Reed approaches.
• Reed pours gasoline on her and, as she tries to escape, ignites her clothes with a flaming bottle.
• She suffers critical burns and remains hospitalized.

Notable Quote

"Lawrence chased her and when he caught up, he set the bottle on fire then used it to ignite Bethany. Once the train finally stopped, Lawrence and Bethany both deboarded. Lawrence casually walked straight out of the station while Bethany stumbled out of the train car and fell onto the ground."
— Katie Ring [15:50]

Investigation & Public Outrage

• Video evidence leads to Reed’s immediate arrest.
• Reed has a lengthy criminal background: 72 arrests, 15 convictions, multiple violent incidents.
• He was out on electronic monitoring at the time, despite prosecutors' objections and repeated violations of release terms.

Notable Quote

"Lawrence has had at least 72 arrests resulting in 15 convictions...He should have never been out of jail."
— Katie Ring [18:05]

Court Proceedings & Systemic Failures

• During his arraignment, Reed acts erratically and asks to remain incarcerated, fearing for his safety.
• Both the community and officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, express outrage at systemic failures that enabled the attack.

Notable Quotes

"Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called Lawrence's situation a, quote, absolute failure of the American criminal justice system and mental health institutions."
— Katie Ring [20:40]

"He asked to remain behind bars. Since both sides requested it, the judge ordered Lawrence remain held without bail until his trial."
— Katie Ring [20:15]

Current Status

• Bethany McGee is in critical but stable condition, with a long recovery ahead.
• Lawrence Reed faces federal terrorism charges, with no trial date yet announced.
• The case ignites debate over bail, electronic monitoring, and the treatment of violent offenders with mental health issues.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Anna Kepner's ex-boyfriend:
  "She was the greatest thing ever. Even though he was completely heartbroken over her death, Joshua still made a point to tell the reporters that there was more to the story." [11:00]
• On systemic failures:
  "Lawrence's situation is an absolute failure of the American criminal justice system and mental health institutions." — Mayor Brandon Johnson, quoted by Katie Ring [20:40]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:43] Start of Anna Kepner case overview
• [06:00] Discovery of Anna’s body
• [07:00] Details from the medical examiner
• [10:52] Community tribute to Anna; Joshua’s allegations
• [13:15] Legal and investigation updates, stepbrother named as suspect
• [15:00] Start of the Chicago train attack case
• [15:50] Description of Bethany McGee’s assault
• [18:05] Background on Lawrence Reed and criminal justice critique
• [20:40] Official condemnation of systemic failures, current case status

Tone & Language

Katie Ring delivers the episode in a direct, engaging, and compassionate tone, respectful to victims and their families while unflinching about the broader failings of the systems involved. She balances factual reporting with empathetic commentary, inviting listeners to reflect and respond.

Next Steps & Updates

Both cases are ongoing, with investigations and trials expected to advance in coming months. Listeners are encouraged to follow Crime House Daily for real-time updates and to participate in the community discussion.

"What did you think of today's cases? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments. See you next time."
— Katie Ring [22:59]