The recent autopsy report on Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship, has officially classified her death as a homicide. The report indicates she was “mechanically asphyxiated by another person or persons.”
The medical examiner discovered two bruises on Anna’s neck, suggesting she might have been restrained in a “bar hold,” a maneuver where an arm is used to apply pressure. Authorities are currently considering Anna’s stepbrother as a potential suspect, but the FBI has yet to comment on the investigation.
Anna had embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean, accompanied by her grandparents, who had taken her on her inaugural cruise, her father Chris Kepner, her stepmother Shauntel Hudson, and a mix of her siblings and step-siblings.
During the trip, Anna’s parents shared a room with the two youngest girls. Anna, her 14-year-old brother, and her 16-year-old stepbrother opted to share a second room. The grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, had offered their extra bed to any of the teens needing more space.
On the evening in question, Anna left dinner early, reportedly due to discomfort from her braces. Surveillance cameras captured her returning to the room she shared with her brothers.
Later, the two boys returned to the room after dinner, although the youngest soon left to explore the ship, leaving Anna alone with her stepbrother.
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 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]
