A source close to the investigation told ABC News that Kepner had two bruises on the side of her neck and died after an arm was pressed across her throat. According to the report, there were no signs of sexual assault, and toxicology screenings found no drugs or alcohol in her system.
Kepner was discovered deceased on November 8 aboard the Carnival Horizon, wrapped in a blanket, covered with life vests, and placed under a bed in the cabin she shared with her 14-year-old brother and 16-year-old stepbrother.
Both the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office and the FBI declined to comment on the new details, and no suspect has been publicly identified as the investigation continues.
Family Tensions Surface Amid Ongoing Investigation
Court filings connected to a separate custody dispute have drawn attention to members of Kepner’s blended family, though none have been charged with any crime in her death.
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| Florida Teen Anna Kepner Found Dead on Carnival Cruise Ship Died from Asphyxiation After Being Strangled in a ‘Bar Hold,’ Report Says |
Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy “Tim” Hudson, was previously questioned by the FBI, according to statements made by the family.
Allegations of Troubling Behavior Before the Cruise
Prior to the trip, Kepner’s ex-boyfriend, Josh Tew, reportedly warned both Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, and stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, that he had seen the stepbrother climb on top of Anna while she slept during a FaceTime call. His father further claimed that Anna had been afraid of the teen because he allegedly carried a large knife and seemed “infatuated” with her. These allegations have not been confirmed by authorities.
Kepner’s younger brother also reportedly told family members that he overheard noises in the cabin the night before Anna died, describing what sounded like a struggle. Investigators have made no public statement verifying these accounts.
A Trip Overshadowed by Family Conflict
The family had been on a six-day Caribbean cruise when the tragedy occurred. The trip came amid strained family dynamics, including a contentious custody battle between Shauntel Hudson and her ex-husband, Thomas, over their two children. Hudson has accused Thomas of abuse, allegations he has denied.
Additional tensions surfaced after Kepner’s biological mother, Heather Kepner, stated she was not permitted to attend her daughter’s funeral due to long-standing family conflict.
Remembering Anna Kepner
Anna Kepner was a high school senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville and was preparing to graduate in the spring. Her mother said Anna dreamed of joining the U.S. Navy and later becoming a K-9 police officer.
The investigation into her death remains open, and authorities have not released the name of any suspect or person of interest.
