The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that a 16-year-old boy from Titusville, Florida, was charged with the death of his stepsister on a cruise ship.The DOJ said a grand jury formally charged the teenager as an adult for aggravated sexual abuse and first-degree murder in the death of his stepsister.The DOJ identified the suspect by his initials T.H.The suspect was traveling on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon with his stepsister, Anna Kepner, and other family members around Nov. 6-7, 2025.The Justice Department said the ship was in international waters and en route to Miami.The suspect is accused of sexually assaulting and killing Kepner.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsAccording to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office, it determined Kepner died by asphyxiation or suffocation.The suspect was charged on Feb. 2, 2026, as a juvenile, but the case was transferred for adult prosecution.Chris and Shauntel Kepner, Anna Kepner’s father and suspect’s mother, released the following statement to ABC News:”Our family is devastated by the loss of Anna and continues to grieve this unimaginable tragedy. We are aware of the serious charges that have now been brought forward. While the legal process moves ahead, we are placing our trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.”We want to express our appreciation to law enforcement, including the FBI, for their involvement in this case. At the same time, we are deeply concerned and troubled that, despite the seriousness of the charges, he has not yet been taken into custody. We believe accountability is critical and are seeking clarity on this matter. This situation is deeply painful and complex for our entire family. We respectfully ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. Anna was deeply loved, and we remain committed to honoring her life and memory every day.”If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida in a statement. “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. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
MIAMI —
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that a 16-year-old boy from Titusville, Florida, was charged with the death of his stepsister on a cruise ship.
The DOJ said a grand jury formally charged the teenager as an adult for aggravated sexual abuse and first-degree murder in the death of his stepsister.
The DOJ identified the suspect by his initials T.H.
The suspect was traveling on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon with his stepsister, Anna Kepner, and other family members around Nov. 6-7, 2025.
Submitted Photo
Anna Kepner
The Justice Department said the ship was in international waters and en route to Miami.
The suspect is accused of sexually assaulting and killing Kepner.
Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News
According to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office, it determined Kepner died by asphyxiation or suffocation.
The suspect was charged on Feb. 2, 2026, as a juvenile, but the case was transferred for adult prosecution.
Chris and Shauntel Kepner, Anna Kepner’s father and suspect’s mother, released the following statement to ABC News:
“Our family is devastated by the loss of Anna and continues to grieve this unimaginable tragedy. We are aware of the serious charges that have now been brought forward. While the legal process moves ahead, we are placing our trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.”We want to express our appreciation to law enforcement, including the FBI, for their involvement in this case. At the same time, we are deeply concerned and troubled that, despite the seriousness of the charges, he has not yet been taken into custody. We believe accountability is critical and are seeking clarity on this matter.
This situation is deeply painful and complex for our entire family. We respectfully ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. Anna was deeply loved, and we remain committed to honoring her life and memory every day.”
If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida in a statement. “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. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.