(Miami, FL) – A Miami federal judge has granted a trial delay for the Titusville teenager accused of raping and murdering his stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a cruise ship.
The 16-year-old’s trial was set to begin Sept. 8th, but court records now show that the defense motion was granted and his trial is now set for Nov. 2nd
The defense claiming it needs more time to prepare due to an “unfortunate family dynamic.” Assistant federal public defender, Hector Dopico explaining they need time to “complete their investigation of issues that will likely impact the resolution of his case,” according to court documents.
Federal prosecutors alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted and killed 18-year-old Kepner on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship as it returned to Miami in November.