(This version adds information about Kepner’s grandparents’ interview with ABC News.)
Anna Kepner’s death has been ruled a homicide, according to ABC News.
The 18-year-old high school senior from Titusville died Nov. 6 while on a family vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon. According to a copy of her death certification issued Monday and given to ABC News by the Kepner family, the cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia.”
It says the teenager “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).”
A message left for the Miami-Dade medical examiner’s office after hours Monday by FLORIDA TODAY was not immediately returned. The FBI has not commented on the case and did not respond to calls from USA Today.
No charges have been filed in the case.
Kepner was on the cruise with her father, brother, stepmother and stepsiblings. Her 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a possible suspect in the case. According to court documents, the stepbrother was hospitalized after the incident and then taken to live with maternal relatives near Hernando County.
Anna Kepner’s grandparents speak out about granddaughter’s death
Anna Kepner’s paternal grandmother told ABC News the stepsiblings were “just like brother and sister.”
Both Barbara Kepner and her husband, Jeffrey, were on board with the rest of their family at the time. Three generations were present together and split three staterooms aboard the ship.
She told the news outlet that in the close-knit family there was “no such thing as steps” and that the blended family was very close.
“He was in a room with her. He was the only one seen coming and going,” Barbara Kepner said. “I can’t accuse him because I don’t know what happened in that room.”
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Anna Kepner’s death ruled a homicide, ABC News reports
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
