The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship has been officially classified as a homicide, leaving her family grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Anna, a cheerleader, was discovered lifeless on November 7 during a family vacation on the Carnival Horizon. Her demise has been attributed to "mechanical asphyxiation," as reported by ABC News. Despite this determination, authorities have yet to identify a suspect or person of interest, prompting the FBI to step in and investigate the circumstances surrounding Anna's death.
According to Fox News, Anna's aunt, Krystal Wright, expressed her belief that the teenager valiantly resisted her attacker. "I know Anna fought. I know she fought for her life, so its rough. Its rough," Wright shared with Fox 35 Orlando. The family is understandably frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, particularly given the ruling of homicide.
Wright voiced her concerns, questioning why no charges have been filed if Anna's stepbrother is indeed a suspect. "We dont understand why, if the boy is a suspect, why has he not been charged yet? Whats happening there?" she asked, highlighting the family's turmoil as they await justice.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, Anna's stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, has identified Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother as a potential suspect in a court filing related to a legal dispute with her former husband, Thomas Hudson. This claim adds a layer of complexity to the case, as Anna's 15-year-old ex-boyfriend recounted an unsettling incident where the stepbrother allegedly attempted to climb on top of Anna during a FaceTime call.
The ex-boyfriend reported this behavior to Anna's parents, noting her discomfort around her stepbrother. He also mentioned that he would have been on the cruise had their relationship not ended.
Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, is determined to see justice served. In a court filing, he stated, "I want him to face the consequences I will be fighting to make sure that does happen." He emphasized the importance of the FBI's investigation, noting that the evidence must ultimately determine the stepbrother's involvement.
"He was the only one that was in the room, and the FBI has an ongoing investigation in which they will have to provide the evidence to say that he did do it or did not do this," Kepner remarked. The family remains in shock, struggling to comprehend the tragic events that unfolded on what was meant to be a joyful family vacation.
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