The death of a Florida teenager on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has been ruled a homicide, the latest development in a case that has drawn international attention and sparked intense speculation on social media.

Anna Kepner’s cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia,” according to a copy of her death certificate obtained by ABC News, which stated that the 18-year-old “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).”

Mechanical asphyxia refers to situations where an object or physical force stops someone from breathing. Stephen Nelson, a chief medical examiner in Central Florida, explained, “In some way, shape or form, your airway has been cut off.”

A Family Vacation that Ended in Tragedy

Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Florida’s Space Coast, was on a Carnival Horizon cruise with family members, including her father and stepmother. The night before her death, she had joyful moments with her grandparents.

Kepner’s body was discovered concealed under a bed, prompting devastating reactions from her family, particularly her grandmother, who expressed her shock and grief.

Teenager’s Stepfather Identified as a Suspect

Details surrounding Kepner’s death have remained unclear for weeks as the FBI investigates. Her 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a suspect, according to court documents from ongoing family custody disputes.

As of now, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released a final autopsy report. The timeline of events indicates that Kepner died around 11:17 a.m. on November 7, with the ship returning to port the following day.

A ‘Highly Suspicious’ Death

Medical examiner Stephen Nelson tagged the death as “highly suspicious,” particularly due to the concealment of her body. There were reportedly no signs of sexual assault, and preliminary tests show no drugs or alcohol in her system.

The Challenges of a Floating Crime Scene

Investigating crime aboard cruise ships presents unique challenges as jurisdiction can be complicated. Cruise ships often sail through different countries, which complicates legal proceedings and evidence collection.

FBI Special Agent Matt Parker highlighted that a tight timeframe exists to gather evidence before the ship continues its journey, while attorney David Edelstein stressed the importance of securing the crime scene effectively.

Crimes on Cruise Ships

According to federal law, serious crimes on cruise ships must be reported to the FBI. In 2023 alone, the agency received numerous reports of criminal activity on cruise ships, ranging from theft to physical assault. The circumstances of Kepner’s tragic death, however, have spurred significant discussion about safety and legal accountability in cruise operations.

This case underscores the broader issue of crime on cruise ships, described by Ellenstein as being akin to “small cities” onboard, where various incidents—violent or otherwise—can occur.