A series of significant events unfolded across the globe this week, from a high-profile resignation at one of the world's most famous museums to a disturbing development in a cruise ship death investigation. In Paris, the director of the Louvre stepped down following a massive jewel heist, while in the U.S., a teenager has been charged in the death of his stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
Meanwhile, the entertainment world saw a beloved actor's family share difficult news, and an American Airlines flight became the subject of a serious investigation after landing with what appeared to be a bullet hole in its wing. Here is a look at these and other key stories from the past week.
Key Takeaways
- Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre Museum, has resigned four months after a $100 million jewel heist.
- The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, found dead on a Carnival cruise, has been charged with homicide.
- An American Airlines flight is under investigation after landing in Colombia with a suspected bullet hole in its wing.
- Actor Robert Carradine, known for 'Revenge of the Nerds,' has died at age 71.
Louvre Director Steps Down After $100 Million Heist
The director of the Louvre Museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, has resigned from her position. The move comes four months after a brazen robbery at the institution resulted in the theft of an estimated $100 million worth of French crown jewels.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Tuesday that he had accepted her resignation. In a statement, he called her decision "an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs both stability and a strong new impetus."
Des Cars, who made history as the museum's first female director upon her appointment in 2021, had previously offered to resign immediately after the heist, but it was not accepted at that time.
Security Failures Admitted
Following the robbery, des Cars acknowledged significant security shortcomings at the world-renowned museum. Thieves reportedly used a truck and a basket lift to access a second-story window and steal priceless Napoleonic-era artifacts.
She described the security infrastructure as "absolutely obsolete, even absent," calling it a "terrible observation" for the most-visited museum in the world. While five suspects have since been charged in connection with the crime, the jewels have not been recovered.
Teen Charged in Cruise Ship Death
In a tragic development, the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old found dead on a Carnival cruise ship in November, has been charged with homicide. The charge was revealed in family court documents filed in Brevard County, Florida.
The petition, filed for an emergency divorce and custody modification, states the teenager was "charged with homicide by the United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida for the...homicide of Anna Kepner." The minor has not been charged as an adult and his name has not been released.
Background of the Case
Anna Kepner, a cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was on the Carnival Horizon cruise last November. She was discovered asphyxiated and hidden underneath a bed in her cabin on November 7. Her stepbrother was seen at a Miami federal court on February 6 for an appearance before a magistrate judge.
American Airlines Jet Lands with Suspected Bullet Hole
An American Airlines flight is being investigated after it landed in Medellín, Colombia, with what appears to be a bullet hole in its wing. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, had departed from Miami on Monday.
Upon landing at José María Córdova International Airport, maintenance crews discovered the puncture in the right wing's aileron, a critical component for balancing the plane during flight. The aircraft was immediately removed from service for inspection. Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured during the flight.
Details of the Damage
Internal documents reportedly described the damage as a hole "that extends all the way through the right-hand aileron." Sources indicated that investigators found both a small, round entry point and damage consistent with an exit point. The plane, which can seat over 160 passengers, underwent temporary repairs in Colombia before returning to Miami. It is now at a maintenance hub in Dallas-Fort Worth for a full assessment.
In a statement, the airline confirmed it is cooperating with authorities. "We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident," the American Airlines representative noted.
Losses in the Entertainment Community
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of two actors this week, while another faces a personal family tragedy.
Robert Carradine Dies at 71
Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in the film Revenge of the Nerds and the TV series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed he died by suicide, sharing that he had lived with bipolar disorder for many years.
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him," the family's statement read. They expressed hope that sharing his story "can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness."
His brother, fellow actor Keith Carradine, added, "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul."
Martin Short Postpones Show After Daughter's Death
Comedian Martin Short has postponed a scheduled performance with Steve Martin following the death of his daughter, Katherine Short, at the age of 42. The show, "The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short," was set to take place in Milwaukee but was delayed due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Katherine Short was found dead at her home in Hollywood Hills on Monday. A representative for the family released a statement confirming her passing.
"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the statement said. "The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."
Katherine was the daughter of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Francine Beppu Dies at 43
Francine Beppu, a reality television personality from Showtime's The Real L Word who became an LGBTQ advocate, has died at the age of 43. A family spokesperson confirmed she passed away on February 17 at her home in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
After her time on the reality series, which followed the lives of LGBTQ women in Los Angeles, Beppu moved back to Hawaii in 2015. She became deeply involved with the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, eventually serving as its president.
