A 16-year-old boy has been formally indicted on federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, who was found dead during a family vacation aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025.
According to the US Department of Justice, the accused identified in court documents only as T.H. due to his age has been charged as an adult in Florida following a federal investigation. Prosecutors allege that the incident occurred while the vessel was in international waters route to Miami.
Court records state that T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner during the voyage. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner later concluded that the cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.
Kepner’s body was discovered on November 7, 2025, aboard the Carnival Horizon, which docked in Miami the following day as scheduled. The charges were initially filed under seal in February 2026 before being unsealed, bringing the case into public view.
Authorities confirmed that the teenager has not been held in detention due to his age but has instead been placed under the supervision of a court-appointed guardian, subject to strict conditions including electronic monitoring.
Federal prosecutors have emphasized that it is highly uncommon for juveniles to face prosecution in federal court, underscoring the gravity of the allegations in this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the ongoing inquiry.
Family members including Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, have called for justice and stricter accountability, describing her death as a devastating and irreplaceable loss. He has publicly stated that the accused should be incarcerated pending trial.
Anna Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader, was widely described by friends as energetic, kind-hearted, and ambitious, with aspirations of pursuing cheerleading at the University of Georgia. Her sudden death has deeply shaken her family and wider community.
As proceedings continue, the family has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the case remains in the public eye, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
