MIAMI (WSVN) - The grandmother of the Florida-born cheerleader who tragically lost her life at sea is sharing new details about what the FBI told the family about her granddaughter’s death.
Barbara Kepner told ABC’s Good Morning America that 18-year-old Anna Kepner‘s cause of death was asphyxiation, caused by an arm across her neck.
“The FBI contacted my son and family and told us her cause of death. Her cause of death was asphyxiation. They said when they took her body to the medical examiner’s office, it was in perfect condition,” said Barbara.
Authorities said a housekeeper discovered Anna’s body under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by blankets, on board a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month. Sources said she died of asphyxiation caused by an arm across her neck.
Her body was removed from the ship after it docked in PortMiami, Nov. 8. prompting an FBI investigation.
According to court documents, Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, who shared a cabin with her and another sibling, is considered a suspect in the case.
Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, appeared virtually in a Florida family court with her ex-husband in an unrelated custody matter. The investigation came up during the hearing.
“[Shauntel’s son] is a suspect in the death of the stepchild, an 18-year-old [step]daughter, that was in the same room,” said the ex-husband’s attorney.
A court filing in the unrelated family court matter noted the stepbrother could face charges. As of Monday morning, no charges had been filed.
“I can’t accuse him because I don’t know what happened in that room but the summation would be that he did something,” said Barbara. “Whatever happened in that room, the only person responsible is the person that was in the room with Anna.”
Josh Tew, Anna’s ex-boyfriend, said he planned to go on the cruise with Anna and her family, until the two broke up several months ago.
“She complained about him being uncomfortable, or her being uncomfortable around him,” he said.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. With no charges filed and no arrests made, Tew and his family are hoping they’ll see justice for Anna.
“I’m praying and hoping that this will come out, so that they will have a solid case and justice will be done for why she’s not with us today,” said Jim Tew, Josh’s uncle.
“Good Morning America,” on ABC Miami, Channel 18, aired the full interview with Anna’s grandmother, Monday morning.
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