The death of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old guest found dead in her cabin aboard Carnival Horizon, has now been formally classified as a homicide.
A death certificate issued on 24th November 2025 and shared with ABC News by the family lists the manner of death as “mechanical asphyxia”, stating that Kepner “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s)”.
Death Certificate Confirms Asphyxiation
The new documentation aligns with earlier reporting from sources close to the investigation, who said Kepner had died as a result of a bar hold, a form of choking that applies pressure to the victim’s neck.
The updated certificate now records the date of injury as 6th November 2025, while the exact time of death remains unknown.
Previously, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner had cited 11.17am on 7th November 2025 as the time of death. That detail is now expected to be revised.
Kepner’s body was discovered under a bed in her cabin on 7th November 2025, concealed with a sheet and life jackets. FBI agents were present when the ship later arrived back in PortMiami.
Autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending.
No Arrests as Investigation Continues
Despite the homicide ruling, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed at the time of publication.
Investigators have examined the movements of people who shared the cabin with Kepner, including her 16-year-old step-brother, who has been referenced in court documents as a person of interest. He has not been charged, and authorities have not publicly named a suspect.
Court filings show that Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in unrelated custody proceedings, stating that “a criminal case may be initiated” involving one of her children.
Security footage reviewed by investigators has reportedly been used to build a timeline of the final hours, though those videos have not been released publicly.
Grandparents Defend Blended Family
Amid rising public speculation, Kepner’s grandparents spoke out in an exclusive interview with ABC News, urging caution and sharing a different perspective on the family dynamic.
Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner described a close relationship between Anna and her step-brother.
“They were two peas in a pod,” Barbara Kepner said.
The grandparents explained that the teenagers chose to share a cabin by choice and had the option to sleep elsewhere if they felt uncomfortable.
“We made it very clear that at any time if they weren’t getting along … we had an extra bed in our room that they could come to,” she said.
They also described the step-brother as deeply distressed after Anna’s death.
“He was an emotional mess. He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t believe what had happened,” Barbara said.
According to the grandparents, the teenager was later hospitalised for psychiatric observation after the ship returned to Miami.
Carnival Cruise Line Response
Carnival Cruise Line has previously confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities and supporting the family during the ongoing investigation.
The ship, Carnival Horizon, continues to operate its schedule, despite recent unrelated propulsion issues.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and await final medical reports. While the death has now officially been ruled a homicide, investigators have emphasised that the case remains active, and no formal suspect has been publicly identified.
The case has drawn international attention and continues to unfold.
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