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Stepbrother Indicted
Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother has been indicted as an adult on federal charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
“Anna Kepner’s stepbrother has been indicted on federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse”
The indictment alleges that while the ship was in international waters, T.H. sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.
T.H. was initially charged as a juvenile, but the case was transferred to adult prosecution and unsealed.
He has been released into the custody of a guardian, but not his parents.
Kepner's father said justice needs to be served.
Rape Allegation
The indictment includes the first public allegation that T.H. raped Kepner before killing her.
Federal prosecutors claim he vaginally penetrated her by the use of force.
Kepner's body was found wrapped in a blanket and hidden under a bed in the cabin they shared.
The stepbrother was released to live with a relative while the FBI continued their investigation.
Kepner's mother said she cut off all contact with her son after the cruise ship docked.
The case has drawn intense public scrutiny.
Family and Community
Anna Kepner was a beloved high school senior and cheerleader from Titusville, Florida.
“Anna Kepner was a senior at Temple Christian School”
She was set to graduate in May 2026 and had ambitions to join the military.
Her biological mother described her as a great girl who never got into trouble.
The blended family had relocated to Titusville about 40 miles east of Orlando.
The case has sparked a custody battle between T.H.'s parents.
The FBI led the investigation.
Legal Proceedings
T.H. made his first appearance in federal court in February.
He was released to live with a family member under electronic monitoring.
The decision to try him as an adult was based on the severity of the offense.
If convicted, T.H. faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The judge will decide whether to revoke bond.
The case highlights challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders.