DNA from Post-Mortem Examination Links Stepbrother to Cruise Ship Killing of Teen Cheerleader

Genetic material recovered during an autopsy has connected a 16-year-old boy to the sexual assault and strangulation death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival vessel.

DNA from Post-Mortem Examination Links Stepbrother to Cruise Ship Killing of Teen Cheerleader

Laboratory analysis of biological evidence collected from an 18-year-old girl's remains has identified genetic material matching her 16-year-old stepbrother, who faces murder charges for the slaying that took place during a family vacation at sea.

Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader, was discovered sexually assaulted and strangled to death aboard a Carnival cruise liner. Her body had been concealed beneath a twin bed inside a passenger cabin, buried beneath a stack of life preservers. The corpse went undetected for approximately 16 hours while her relatives searched the vessel in vain.

A federal grand jury has formally indicted Timothy Hudson, the victim's 16-year-old stepbrother, on a charge of first-degree murder. Prosecutors intend to try him as an adult.

The case has drawn additional attention due to a separate custody dispute involving family members, through which previously undisclosed information about the household has emerged. Investigators are examining cruise ship security footage alongside the FBI's DNA testing results as they build their case.

Source: Crime Online

Source: Crime Online