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The recent autopsy report has confirmed that Anna Kepner’s death aboard a Carnival cruise ship was a homicide. The findings indicate she suffered “mechanical asphyxiation at the hands of another individual or individuals.”
The medical examiner noted the presence of two bruises on Anna’s neck, suggesting she may have been placed in a ‘bar hold’—a technique where an arm is used to compress the neck. The FBI has not commented on potential suspects, but there is speculation that Anna’s stepbrother could be involved.
The cruise was intended as a family getaway to the Caribbean. Accompanying Anna were her grandparents, who had introduced her to cruising; her father, Chris Kepner; her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson; alongside her siblings and step-siblings.
Anna’s parents shared a cabin with the two youngest daughters, while Anna, her 14-year-old brother, and her 16-year-old stepbrother opted to share a second cabin. Her grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, offered an extra bed in their room for any of the teens needing more space.
On the evening of the incident, Anna left dinner early, reportedly due to discomfort from her braces. Surveillance cameras captured her returning to the cabin 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 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]
