Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother Charged with Murder Months After Cheerleader Found Dead on Carnival Cruise Ship

Months after 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship, her 16-year-old stepbrother has been formally charged and will be tried as an adult in federal court.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the teen—identified in court documents only as T.H. due to his age—faces charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with Kepner’s death in November 2025.

Federal Charges Filed in Cruise Ship Death

Prosecutors allege that while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, T.H. sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner. The charges were initially filed under seal on February 2 before being unsealed Friday after the case was transferred to adult prosecution.

Despite the severity of the charges, court records indicate the teen has been released into the custody of a guardian, though not his parents.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said in a statement, “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.”

Body Found Aboard Carnival Horizon

Anna Kepner was discovered dead on November 7 while vacationing with her family aboard the Carnival Horizon, which returned to PortMiami the following day as scheduled.

According to reports, a housekeeper found Kepner’s body in her cabin, where she had been staying with her stepbrother and younger brother. She was reportedly found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and partially concealed.

An autopsy conducted by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined her cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation, meaning her airway had been obstructed—leading authorities to rule the death a homicide.

Timeline of Events Raises Questions

Sources indicate that the night before her body was discovered, Kepner had left dinner early because she was not feeling well and returned to the cabin to rest.

Her stepbrother and younger sibling later returned to the room after dinner. While the younger brother reportedly left again to join other family members, the stepbrother remained behind for a period of time.

Investigators have not publicly detailed what occurred during those moments, but federal authorities later took over the case when the ship docked in Miami, with the FBI leading the investigation due to the incident occurring in international waters.

Family Demands Justice

Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, has spoken out following the indictment, saying the family is focused on accountability.

“Justice needs to be served,” he said, adding that he believes the accused should be in custody.

Remembering Anna Kepner

Anna Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, was remembered by loved ones as a dedicated cheerleader with plans to join the military after graduation.

Her death has drawn national attention, raising serious concerns about safety aboard cruise ships and the circumstances surrounding crimes committed in international waters.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings Ongoing

The case continues to move forward in federal court as prosecutors pursue charges against the teen. Authorities have not released further details about the evidence in the case.

As the legal process unfolds, Anna Kepner’s family continues to seek answers and justice for her death.