Anna Kepner: 16-Year-old Stepbrother Was Obsessed with Cheerleader Killed on Cruise Ship

Recently unveiled footage captures the late Anna Kepner, a Florida teenager, joyfully dancing at a sail-away party aboard a Carnival cruise ship, just days before her untimely demise.

As reported by FOX News Digital, the video was shared by TikTok user @nickcapo609, showcasing the lively scene from November 2 on the Carnival Horizon during its Caribbean voyage.

In the video, Kepner is seen enjoying the festivities, dressed in casual attire of black shorts and a white shirt, with her grandmother visible nearby, all set against the backdrop of the ship’s vibrant atmosphere.

For more on this story and to view the video, visit foxnews.com.

According to CrimeOnline, Anna’s body was tragically discovered by a room steward under a bed in a cabin while performing routine cleaning. This discovery led to the ship making an unexpected stop at Port Miami on November 8.

The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner confirms that Anna Kepner passed away on November 7, when the cruise ship was near the northwest coast of Cuba. For further details, refer to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner‘s records.

According to officials, Anna died from “mechanical asphyxia,” meaning someone placed her in a choke hold.

Her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was aboard the cruise with Anna and other family members, is currently considered a suspect in her death, according to a recent custody hearing between his father and mother.

Authorities, however, have not confirmed the information.

“We’re not sure what the FBI is going to do – whether he’ll be charged federally or if the case will be turned over to the state,” his mother’s lawyer, Millicent Athanason, told the Brevard County Court.

“They’re also waiting on testing results. They don’t know how long it’s going to take.”

READ MORE: Anna Kepner: 16-Year-old Stepbrother Was Obsessed with Cheerleader Killed on Cruise Ship

Meanwhile, Daily Mail reports that the 16-year-old is living in Florida with relatives while the investigation continues. He was spotted selling firewood along a rural road this week, but declined to speak with reporters.

“I’d rather not talk,” he said, according to the outlet.

Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno told FOX News Digital that the delay in the case could be from Anna’s cause of death.

“They may not know if they can prove what happened yet,” she said.

“Mechanical asphyxia could be argued as accidental or something that went too far. Investigators may still be sorting out what the evidence supports.”

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Anna Kepner/Instagram]

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