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Florida Teen Charged With Murder And Sexual Abuse Of Stepsister On Carnival Cruise

14 April, 2026.Crime.14 sources

Key Takeaways

16-year-old stepbrother charged as adult in Anna Kepner's death aboard Carnival Horizon.
The death occurred during a family cruise on Carnival Horizon in November 2025.
Charges include first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse; defendant indicted as adult.

Cruise Ship Murder

A 16-year-old Florida boy has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a cruise ship.

“Stepbrother charged with murder, sex abuse in teen girl's cruise ship death: DOJ Anna Kepner, 18, died on a Carnival cruise in November”

ABC News

Kepner's body was found concealed under a bed in the cabin she shared with two other teens, including T.H.

ABC News

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation.

The case was initially charged as a juvenile and sealed, but a judge ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.

Prosecutors allege that T.H. sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner while the ship was in international waters.

The teen has remained free in the care of an uncle since his arrest, though prosecutors want to revoke that release.

Family and Legal Proceedings

Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader described as bubbly and outgoing.

Her parents released a statement expressing devastation and placing trust in the justice system.

CBC

The stepbrother was named a suspect in late November during a custody dispute.

He appeared in federal court in February and was ordered to wear an electronic tether while living with an uncle.

Prosecutors objected to his release, citing dangerousness.

Assistant U.S. attorney Alejandra López said he committed these crimes against a victim with whom he had no apparent relational strife.

Cruise Line and Community Response

Carnival expressed sorrow and thanked the FBI for their investigation.

“The 16-year-old stepbrother of Florida teenager Anna Kepner has been officially charged as an adult in her killing after she was found dead aboard a cruise ship in 2025, the U”