Carnival Cruise Homicide: Teen’s Death Ruled Mechanical Asphyxiation, Authorities Investigate
An 18-year-old high school cheerleader, Anna Kepner, was found dead in a cabin aboard a Carnival cruise ship, with her death officially ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation, according to a recent report. Kepner was discovered wrapped in blankets under a bed, with life jackets covering her body, and her death was attributed to an external obstruction hindering her breathing.
Kepner’s death occurred on November 7, 2023, on the Carnival Horizon. Medical professionals stated that mechanical asphyxiation is not always a homicide, but it can be, and the investigation has been entrusted to prosecutors to determine the charging of the case. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing investigation, which is being led by the FBI. No suspects have been formally charged as of now.
Although her time of death was listed as 11:17 a.m. on November 7, the report suggests that the fatal injury occurred on November 6, the last night she was publicly seen alive. The FBI is handling the investigation and has not yet publicly named any suspects. However, Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a potential suspect by his own parents in court documents related to an ongoing custody dispute, but no charges have been filed.
Kepner was found dead under the bed in her cabin, in a room shared with her stepbrother. Both of his parents and their attorneys have not responded to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital. Kepner was a high school varsity cheerleader who had aspirations of joining the Navy and ultimately becoming a K-9 police officer.
The case has also prompted questions about the circumstances of her death and the role of the stepbrother. The FBI investigation continues, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause and responsibility for Kepner’s tragic end. The public awaits further developments in this case that has sparked widespread attention and concern.