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Over two months have passed since the tragic death of Anna Kepner on a Carnival cruise ship, and authorities have yet to make an arrest.
Her death has been officially classified as a homicide, with the autopsy report revealing that Anna died from “mechanical asphyxiation at the hands of another individual or individuals.”
The medical examiner noted two bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, suggesting she may have been restrained in a ‘bar hold,’ a maneuver where an arm is pressed across the neck. While investigators consider Anna’s stepbrother a potential suspect, the FBI has not released any statements regarding the case.
The ill-fated cruise to the Caribbean was intended to be a family vacation for Anna. She was accompanied by her grandparents, who introduced her to cruising; her father, Chris Kepner; her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson; along with her siblings and step-siblings.
Anna’s parents shared a cabin with the two youngest girls, while Anna, her 14-year-old brother, and 16-year-old stepbrother opted to split a second cabin. Their grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, offered an extra bed in their room should any of the teens need additional space.
During dinner, Anna excuses herself early; sources allege her braces hurt. Surveillance footage shows Anna walking back to and entering the room she shares 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]
