The 16-year-old stepbrother of Florida teenager Anna Kepner now faces adult charges in her killing after authorities found her dead aboard a cruise ship in 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Court records show that the Titusville teenager, identified by federal prosecutors as “T.H.,” was traveling on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon with 18-year-old Kepner and other family members in November 2025 when the incident occurred during a Caribbean voyage, according to the DOJ.
Investigators say that while the ship was in international waters on its way to Miami, the teenage stepbrother allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner, according to the DOJ.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled the cause of death as mechanical asphyxiation.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a news release. “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.”
Quiñones also stated that Kepner’s stepbrother is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Authorities initially charged the teenager as a juvenile in February, and the case remained sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.
According to the DOJ, Kepner’s stepbrother now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
If convicted in her killing, he could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Family members reacted Monday to the indictment of Kepner’s stepbrother.
“I am glad that justice is starting and I am hoping she gets the justice she deserves,” said Chris Donohue Sr, Anna’s step-grandfather. “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.”
As of Monday afternoon, officials had not set a court date.
“It was inevitable that the stepbrother would be charged as an adult,” said Dave Aronberg, a former Palm Beach prosecutor who reviewed the indictment and has followed the case but is not involved. “The adult criminal justice system is better equipped to handle a 16-year accused of such violent crimes that result in death.”
Aronberg said that under a juvenile track in federal court, the defendant could have been released from prison at 21 years old, regardless of how severe the crime was.
The FBI Miami is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López is prosecuting it.
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