The story surrounding 18-year-old Anna Kepner’s final hours on a family cruise is getting more disturbing by the day. What was supposed to be a getaway turned into a mystery that has investigators trying to make sense of what really happened. The clues emerging from that ship paint a picture as heartbreaking as it is shocking, leaving a family shattered in its wake.
RELATED: 18-Year-Old Florida Cheerleader Found Dead On Carnival Cruise, Stepbrother Reportedly Under Investigation
Cause Of Death Reportedly Revealed In Anna Kepner’s Case
According to information shared with ABC News, 18-year-old Anna Kepner — a cheerleader from Titusville, Florida — died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, which involves an arm placed across the neck. A source briefed on the investigation said she was found with two bruises on the side of her neck. However, officials have not released the full autopsy or toxicology results. Authorities noted there were no signs of sexual assault. Furthermore, no apparent drugs or alcohol were found in her system at the time.
As previously reported, Kepner was discovered on November 8, aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. A security source told investigators she was found naked under a bed, wrapped in a blanket, and covered with life vests. It was also revealed that she shared the cruise room with her biological brother and her stepbrother. As further stated, the brothers slept in a bunk bed, while Anna took the room’s king-size bed.
More Details Emerge As Anna’s Ex-Boyfriend Speaks Out
And now, things just got even more unsettling. Anna’s ex, Joshua Tew — who called her his “first love” — has stepped forward with chilling claims about what he was told happened inside that cabin. Joshua says Anna’s 14-year-old brother, Connor, confided that she was in a heated confrontation with her 16-year-old stepbrother shortly before she was found.
According to what Joshua says he was told, the cabin door was locked. And, Connor overheard the stepbrother yelling at Anna “in a harmful way,” even telling her to “shut the hell up.” Furthermore, the verbal altercation was allegedly followed by loud banging and what sounded like furniture being knocked around.
Claims Of Troubling Behavior Before Anna’s Death Surface
According to a conversation with Inside Edition, Steven Westin, the father of Anna’s ex-boyfriend, was told that her stepbrother had a fixation on her. Westin claimed his son described the teen as “obsessed,” saying he pursued Anna even after their families blended. He also alleged that during a FaceTime call, Joshua witnessed the stepbrother enter Anna’s room while she was sleeping. Joshua also allegedly saw the stepbrother get on top of her during the call. However, these claims have not been confirmed by authorities.
Westin further said Anna had expressed fear because the stepbrother “always carried around a big knife,” and that when Joshua tried to raise concerns with her parents, he felt they “didn’t want to believe” him. Additionally, Anna’s mother revealed that she was asked not to attend the memorial service. The situation has triggered a major federal investigation. But the FBI and Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office are keeping quiet as the case remains open.
