Key takeaways:
- A 16-year-old Florida boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
- The incident occurred in November 2025 while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami; the cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.
- The accused was initially charged as a juvenile but the case was transferred to adult prosecution; if convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
A 16-year-old Florida boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship in 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that the teenager, identified only by his initials T.H., allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.
The incident occurred during a family vacation on the Carnival Horizon in November 2025. The cruise ship returned to the Port of Miami the day after Kepner was found dead. According to court records, T.H. was initially charged as a juvenile in February, but a federal judge later ordered the case transferred to adult prosecution. No court date has been set yet.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones expressed condolences to Kepner’s family and emphasized the seriousness of the charges. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care,” he said. He also noted that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Family members have reacted to the indictment. Chris Donohue Sr., Kepner’s step-grandfather, said, “I am glad that justice is starting and I am hoping she gets the justice she deserves. Her life was cut short and we are saddened that we will not be able to see what a beautiful life she would have had.” Kepner’s father and T.H.’s stepfather, Chris Kepner, told NBC News, “Justice needs to be served. That is where the family stands,” adding that T.H. should be in custody. He described the loss of his daughter as “a pain that will never fully heal” and stressed the family’s commitment to accountability and justice.
Legal experts have noted the decision to prosecute T.H. as an adult. Former Palm Beach prosecutor Dave Aronberg said, “The adult criminal justice system is better equipped to handle a 16-year-old accused of such violent crimes that result in death.” He explained that juvenile federal courts could have allowed the defendant to be released at age 21 regardless of the crime’s severity.
Court documents reveal that T.H. has been released into the custody of a guardian, not his parents. His mother, Shauntel Hudson Kepner, and father have not commented publicly, nor have attorneys representing them. Court filings related to a custody battle disclosed that T.H. was hospitalized shortly after the cruise ship returned to Miami.
Anna Kepner was remembered as a bubbly high school senior and cheerleader who dreamed of continuing her cheerleading career at the University of Georgia. She was described as an outgoing and reliable teenager who deeply loved her siblings. The FBI in Miami is leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López prosecuting the case.
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