Florida Teen Stepbrother Indicted for Sexually Assaulting and Killing Anna Kepner on Cruise

Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother has been indicted as an adult on federal charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

“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”

CBS News

The indictment alleges that while the ship was in international waters, T.H. sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner.

CBS News

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.

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.

Court TV

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.

Anna Kepner was a beloved high school senior and cheerleader from Titusville, Florida.

“Key Aspects: Five months after the tragic death of Anna Kepner during a family vacation aboardCarnival Horizonin November 2025, official charges have been filed against the young woman’s 16-year-old stepbrother”

Cruise Hive

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.

T.H. made his first appearance in federal court in February.

He was released to live with a family member under electronic monitoring.

National Today

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.