The Florida cheerleader killed on a Carnival cruise was allegedly strangled to death in a bar hold, according to a report.
Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation from the vicious move — an arm across her neck — and had two bruises on the side of her throat, a source close to the investigation told ABC News Friday.
There were no apparent signs of sexual assault, nor were there drugs or alcohol in her system, the insider said.
Here is the latest on Anna Kepner, cheerleader found dead on Carnival Cruise
- Anna Kepner’s vicious cause of death revealed after teen found dead on Carnival cruise
- Anna Kepner’s stepbrother was ‘obsessed’ with slain cheerleader — and once committed creepy act while she was sleeping: report
- Slain cruise passenger Anna Kepner’s stepbrother, 16, is ‘suspect’ in her killing
- Anna Kepner’s family pays heartbreaking tribute to teen who died on Carnival cruise — as stepsibling is questioned by FBI
- Cheerleader who died on Carnival cruise was found stuffed under a bed: report
Kepner was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8, officials previously said. She was under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered in life vests, ABC reported.
Both the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office and the FBI declined to comment on the new details.
There is still no word on who carried out the gruesome act — and then wrapped Kepner’s body in a blanket, covered her in life jackets and stashed her under a bed — though her step-brother was previously questioned by the FBI.
Kepner’s blended family had been on a six-day Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Horizon when a maid made the horrifying discovery Nov. 7.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
