Florida Teen Indicted as Adult in Stepsister's Cruise Ship Death

A 16-year-old Florida boy has been indicted as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a cruise ship. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced the indictment on April 13, stating that the teen, identified as T.H., allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Anna Kepner while the family was on the Carnival Horizon in international waters in November.

Kepner's body was discovered on November 7, concealed under a bed in her cabin by a staff member. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.

Initially charged as a juvenile in February, T.H.'s case was later transferred for adult prosecution by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones expressed condolences to the victim's family, stating, "Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss." He emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that the alleged offenses occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.

Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, was described in her obituary as "pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing." She had plans to join the U.S. Navy after graduation, aspiring to become a K-9 officer.

The case is being prosecuted in federal court due to the incident occurring in international waters, a rare circumstance for a juvenile defendant.