Over two months have passed since Anna Kepner tragically lost her life on a Carnival cruise ship, yet no one has been apprehended in connection with her death.
Authorities have officially classified her death as a homicide. The autopsy report indicates that Anna’s life was ended through “mechanical asphyxiation caused by another individual or individuals.”
The medical examiner noted two bruises on Anna’s neck, suggesting she might have been restrained using a ‘bar hold,’ where an arm is pressed against the neck. While Anna’s stepbrother is considered a possible suspect, the FBI has not released any statements.
The cruise, which journeyed to the Caribbean, was meant to be a family vacation for Anna. Accompanying her were her grandparents, who introduced her to cruising, along with her father, Chris Kepner, her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and her siblings and step-siblings.
Anna’s parents shared a cabin with the two youngest daughters, while Anna, her 14-year-old brother, and 16-year-old stepbrother occupied a second room. The grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, reminded the teens they had an extra bed available should they need additional space.
During the evening meal, Anna excused herself early, reportedly due to discomfort from her braces. Surveillance cameras captured her heading back to the room she shared with her brothers.
After eating, the teen boys come to the room before the youngest sibling ventures out again to explore, leaving Anna and their stepbrother alone.
When he returns, he notes Anna isn’t in bed but assumes she got a second wind and is spending more time with the adults. He goes to sleep with no idea his sister’s body is shoved under the bed just a few feet away.
Though family members released the details of Anna’s autopsy, and court records from stepmom Shauntel Hudson’s divorce proceedings indicate her 16-year-old son, Anna’s stepbrother, may be a suspect in the teen’s murder, the FBI has remained silent on the progress of their investigation.
No charges have been filed.
Anna’s stepmom, Shauntel Hudson, files a motion for a gag order in her divorce proceedings, claiming the public exposure and reporting on the case and subsequent filings could lead to “possible irreversible harm” to the children and family or could jeopardize the investigation and her son’s presumed defense.
The documents request that future hearings be closed to the public in the event the 16-year-old is charged in Anna’s death.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guests
- Spencer Aronfeld – Trial Lawyer and Founder of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, Author of illustrated children’s book “Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer;” Facebook: Aronfeld Law, Instagram: Aronfeld_Trial_Lawyers
- Dr. Janie Lacy – Licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Life Counseling Solutions, Author of “How To Heal From A Toxic Relationship: A Guide To Reclaiming Your Mental Health and Happiness,” Host of “The Resilient Professional” Podcast on YouTube; Instagram & Facebook: @JanieLacy
- Shannon Butler (FL) Investigative Reporter at WFTV Channel 9 in Florida,
- Sydney Sumner – Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Anna Kepner/Instagram]
