The death of a Florida teenager on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has been ruled a homicide, the latest development that has drawn international attention and sparked intense speculation on social media.
Anna Kepner’s cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia,” according to a copy of her death certificate obtained by ABC News, indicating that the 18-year-old “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).”
Mechanical asphyxia occurs when an object or physical force obstructs someone from breathing, explained Stephen Nelson, chief medical examiner in Central Florida. He mentioned, “In essence, your airway has been cut off.”
A Family Vacation that Ended in Tragedy
A high school cheerleader from Florida’s Space Coast, who was set to graduate next year, Kepner had been traveling on the Carnival Horizon ship with her father, stepmother, her stepmother’s two children, and her grandparents. According to her grandmother, on the night before she was found dead, Kepner had spent time in the ship’s casino. “She said, ‘Meemaw, I love you guys. I’ll see you later.’”
The following morning, a medical alert was broadcasted over the ship’s system as first responders were directed to the room Kepner was sharing with other teens, including a younger stepbrother. A room attendant eventually found her body concealed under the bed, sending shockwaves through her family.
Teenager’s Steprother Identified as a Suspect
Kepner’s death remains mysterious as the FBI and medical examiner’s office in South Florida have withheld information regarding the case for weeks. Her stepbrother, a 16-year-old, has been identified as a suspect in her death according to court documents filed by his parents. This case is garnering public attention given that federal investigators are scrutinizing a member of the victim’s own blended family.
The precise details surrounding the time of death have been confirmed as 11:17 a.m. on November 7, with the Carnival Horizon returning to PortMiami on November 8 as scheduled. Despite ongoing investigations, lawyers practicing maritime law are not surprised at the lack of immediate charges, citing complexities in international maritime death cases.
A ‘Highly Suspicious’ Death
Medical examiner Nelson considers Kepner’s death “highly suspicious,” especially since her body was concealed. Preliminary reports disclosed to the family indicated no signs of sexual assault and no drugs or alcohol present in her system. Given the death's classification, further investigations are needed to elucidate the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
The Challenges of a Floating Crime Scene
The investigation’s challenges are compounded by the fact that cruise ships operate under various jurisdictions, making coordination difficult for law enforcement. Preservation of the crime scene also poses challenges as evidence may be lost or contaminated before authorities have access to the crime scene.
Crimes on Cruise Ships
Federal laws mandate cruise ships operating out of U.S. ports to report certain serious crimes to the FBI. In 2023, the FBI recorded 180 reports of alleged criminal activity on cruises, highlighting the potential for violence that can occur onboard these vessels.
The case continues to develop, and many await further information from authorities.
