Investigators have released new findings in the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.

According to a source close to the case, preliminary findings indicate that Anna died from asphyxiation consistent with a “bar hold” choke, involving force applied to the neck by another person’s arm.

The source stated that FBI investigators identified two distinct bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, aligning with the reported mechanism of injury.

Early toxicology and forensic results showed no evidence of drugs, alcohol, or sexual assault, though the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet issued a final cause or manner of death.

Kepner was found on November 8 by a cabin steward, reportedly wrapped in a blanket and concealed under a bed, partially covered by life vests.

She had been traveling on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her father, Christopher Kepner, her stepmother Shauntel Hudson, and members of her blended family.

Investigators confirmed that Anna was last seen alive returning to her cabin alone after telling family members she felt unwell. Surveillance later showed she never exited the room again.

New allegations have surfaced regarding the behavior of Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been identified in recently filed court documents as a suspected party in the investigation.

In an interview, Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, claimed Hudson exhibited behavior he believed was “obsessive and inappropriate.” Tew stated that during a FaceTime call months earlier, he witnessed Hudson enter Anna’s room and allegedly climb on top of her while she slept.

According to Tew, Anna had previously confided that Hudson made her uncomfortable and that she believed he carried a knife regularly.

These statements remain unverified by law enforcement.

In a separate legal filing unrelated to the FBI investigation, Anna’s stepmother wrote that a “criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children” in connection with Anna’s death.

Anna’s funeral was held in Orlando last week.

Multiple attendees reported significant visible tension among family members, and some relatives were reportedly informed they could not attend due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, addressed mourners during the service. Wright previously stated she learned of her daughter’s death through an online news search after being unable to reach family members — not through official notification.

Based on statements and reports, the known sequence of events is as follows:

• November 6: Anna left dinner early, saying she felt sick, and returned alone to the cabin.
• Her two brothers entered the cabin later. One left briefly to take photos and returned, assuming Anna was elsewhere.
• Surveillance confirms Anna returned to the cabin, but no footage shows her leaving.
• November 7 (morning): Anna was reported missing after she could not be located.
• A short time later, crew members discovered her body during a welfare check.

Her remains were found near the bunk assigned to her brothers.

The FBI is leading the investigation, as the incident occurred in international waters aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel. No arrests have been made, and officials have not named a suspect publicly.

This marks one of the most closely watched cruise-related death investigations in recent years, drawing national attention as forensic findings and family allegations continue to unfold.

As the medical examiner finalizes their report and the FBI continues interviews and forensic analysis, the case remains open and active. Friends, classmates, and community members who knew Anna through cheerleading, school activities, and church are mourning her loss while waiting for clarity in the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities are expected to release additional information in the coming weeks.