The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has been officially classified as a homicide. This determination comes from a death certificate issued on Monday, which was shared with ABC News by Kepner's family. The document reveals that Anna's death resulted from mechanical asphyxia, with the injury date marked as November 6, although the exact time remains undetermined.
According to the death certificate, Anna was mechanically asphyxiated by one or more individuals. While the family awaits the release of autopsy and toxicology reports, the Miami-Dade medical examiner has refrained from providing any comments on the matter as of Monday. Furthermore, the FBI, which has been involved in the investigation, has not previously issued a statement and did not respond to inquiries on the same day.
This distressing news follows the discovery of Anna Kepner's body on the Carnival Horizon ship, where she was vacationing with her family, including her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings, and stepsiblings. Reports indicate that she was found deceased under a bed, wrapped in a blanket, and covered with life vests, as per information from a security source familiar with the investigation.
In previous communications with ABC News, the Kepner family revealed that the FBI indicated Anna likely succumbed to asphyxiation, which may have been caused by a bar hold—a scenario where an arm is placed across the neck. Additionally, a court filing in an unrelated family matter suggested that Anna's stepbrother, who is a minor, might face charges, although no formal charges have been filed to date.
Anna Kepner's family is grappling with the immense loss of a vibrant young woman who was on the verge of significant milestones. Her grandparents expressed their heartbreak, noting that Anna was an independent 18-year-old who was set to graduate high school in May. She had aspirations of enlisting in the Navy, and her grandfather, Jeffrey Kepner, shared with ABC News, “We were looking forward to seeing her grow.”
The investigation into this heartbreaking incident continues as the family seeks answers and justice for Anna. The ruling of homicide signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing inquiry, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.