A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon in November 2025.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the teen allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner while the ship was in international waters between November 6 and 7. The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed due to his age, was initially charged in juvenile court but has since been indicted by a grand jury as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Prosecutors allege that Kepner’s body was later discovered inside the cabin she shared with her stepbrother and another sibling. Reports indicate she was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.
An autopsy conducted by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kepner died from mechanical asphyxia. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Authorities say the family had been travelling together on the cruise, including Kepner’s father, stepmother, grandparents, and siblings. Family members previously described their relationship as close-knit, stating there were no apparent conflicts between the teens.
Kepner, a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, was described as a vibrant and outgoing student. She was a cheerleader and had plans to join the United States military after graduation.
Court documents indicate the accused teen had been sharing a room with Kepner during the trip, while their parents stayed in a nearby cabin. Following the ship’s return to Miami, the teen was reportedly admitted to a medical facility and allegedly told his mother he could not remember what happened.
Prosecutors have since filed a motion seeking to have the teen held in pretrial detention, arguing that he poses a danger to others. The case was transferred to adult court in recent days.
If convicted, the teen faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line said it continues to cooperate with investigators and extended sympathies to Kepner’s family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
