Overview
- Preliminary findings reported by ABC News, citing a source briefed on the probe, indicate death by a bar hold with two neck bruises and no apparent signs of sexual assault or drugs or alcohol, with autopsy and toxicology pending.
- Court filings in a separate custody case show the 16-year-old stepbrother is under FBI investigation; the stepmother sought to delay a hearing citing potential criminal exposure, and a hearing included a statement that the teen was hospitalized soon after the discovery.
- Her body was found under a bed in the stateroom she shared with stepsiblings, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, with the medical examiner time listed around 11:17 a.m. on Nov. 7.
- The FBI’s Miami office is leading the case because the death occurred in international waters, and agents are reviewing ship CCTV, electronic key-card logs, cellphone records, and conducting interviews as Carnival cooperates.
- Civic remembrance continued with a celebration of life in Titusville, where the family honored the high school senior’s plans and asked for privacy while the investigation continues.