The exclusive interview, which ABC News just aired, has caused a stir, as Anna Kepner’s grandmother spoke out in defense of the family’s bond, especially the relationship between Anna and Tim, her 16-year-old half-brother who is currently being scrutinized as a potential suspect in the cruise ship tragedy.
In the exchange, Barbara asserted in an emotional voice:
“Anna and Tim grew up together, and they were like siblings. They were always close. Some people even mistook them for twins.”
She stressed that there were no conflicts or negative signs between the two children, and she believes Tim could not have been the one to cause the tragedy.
However, that assertion clashes violently with what has been revealed before. Anna’s ex-husband once shared that Tim was not simply “close”—but showed an unusual obsession with the young girl. He recalled a haunting FaceTime call: while Anna slept, Tim tried to climb on top of her, an act that even in retrospect “spine-chilling.”
This detail—combined with the family’s strong denial—has left a questionable gap. Many have asked: were the family intentionally protecting Tim, or did they really not see the warning signs? And more importantly, was Anna living in an environment where borderline behavior was masked under the guise of “close siblings”?
Between the two conflicting accounts, one thing has become clear: the picture of Anna and Tim’s relationship is much more complex than Barbara has portrayed. And as the investigation continues to unravel what happened that fateful night, the public is anxious to find out what the truth is—and whether it completely contradicts the image of a “close family” that her grandmother tried to protect.