Florida teen Anna Kepner, whose body was found under the bed on a Carnival cruise earlier this month, appeared to have died by asphyxiation, according to a new report that comes as federal authorities are said to be investigating her younger stepbrother.
The 18-year-old cheerleader was allegedly choked by a bar hold — meaning someone’s arm was held across her neck — a source briefed on the investigation told ABC News on Friday, noting she was found with bruises on the side of her neck.
There does not appear to be any sign of sexual assault, nor does it look as though Kepner had drugs or alcohol in her system, the source said. An official determination on cause of death is pending autopsy and toxicology results.
Kepner was reportedly found on Nov. 8 under a bed on the Carnival Horizon, covered by a blanket and life vests. ABC News was previously told the FBI was looking at the Titusville teen’s minor stepbrother.
In a custody filing from his father Thomas Hudson, the 16-year-old boy was referred to as “a suspect in the death of the stepchild during the cruise.”
Hudson’s ex, Kepner’s stepmother Shauntel Hudson, has invoked her Fifth Amendment right in their custody battle and has requested the postponement of a hearing, People reports.
Shauntel allegedly worries that any testimony she might give “could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation.”
Click Orlando also reports that Shauntel’s lawyer, Millicent Athanason, said the boy was hospitalized “immediately after the incident.” Contrary to other claims, Athanason said the minor — who’s now residing with a maternal relative — partook in “absolutely no drinking” aboard the ship, where he and Kepner were said to have shared a stateroom.
Shauntel has reportedly indicated her son, whose name has not been made public, “has a psychiatrist appointment” in early December.
