Investigators have released new findings in the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. According to a source close to the case, preliminary findings indicate that Anna died from asphyxiation consistent with a “bar hold” choke, involving force applied to the neck by another person’s arm.
The source stated that FBI investigators identified two distinct bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, aligning with the reported mechanism of injury.
She had been traveling on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her father, Christopher Kepner; her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson; and members of her blended family.
Investigators have released new findings in the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
According to a source close to the case, preliminary findings indicate that Anna died from asphyxiation consistent with a “bar hold” choke, involving force applied to the neck by another person’s arm.
The source stated that FBI investigators identified two distinct bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, aligning with the reported mechanism of injury.
Early toxicology and forensic results showed no evidence of drugs, alcohol, or sexual assault, though the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet issued a final cause or manner of death.
Kepner was found on November 8 by a cabin steward, reportedly wrapped in a blanket and concealed under a bed, partially covered by life vests.
She had been traveling on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her father, Christopher Kepner; her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson; and members of her blended family.
Investigators confirmed that Anna was last seen alive returning to her cabin alone after telling family members she felt unwell. Surveillance later showed she never exited the room again.
New allegations have surfaced regarding the behavior of Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been identified in recently filed court documents as a suspected party in the investigation.
In an interview, Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, claimed Hudson exhibited behavior he believed was “obsessive and inappropriate.” Tew stated that during a FaceTime call months earlier, he witnessed Hudson enter Anna’s room and allegedly climb on top of her while she slept.
According to Tew, Anna had previously confided that Hudson made her uncomfortable and that she believed he carried a knife regularly.
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