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Preliminary Findings Point to Asphyxiation in Cruise Ship Death as FBI Scrutinizes Teen Stepbrother

Officials have not confirmed a cause of death, and court records show the stepmother moved to delay and seal custody proceedings after being told a minor child may face criminal action.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets citing sources briefed on the case report Anna Kepner likely died from a bar hold, with two bruises noted on her neck, while final autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.
  • A housekeeper discovered the 18-year-old under a bed on the Carnival Horizon, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, according to security and ship reports.
  • Sworn family-court filings identify the 16-year-old stepbrother as a suspect under FBI investigation; he shared a stateroom with Kepner and was hospitalized after the ship docked, then placed with a relative.
  • The FBI’s Miami office is leading the maritime probe, has announced no charges, and is reviewing surveillance footage and key-card records, with Carnival cooperating, according to officials and law enforcement sources.
  • Titusville held a memorial for the high school senior this week, as limited official disclosures leave court documents and interviews driving public understanding of the case.