Florida Teen Charged as Adult in Cruise Ship Killing of Stepsister

Authorities say 16-year-old sexually assaulted and killed Anna Kepner while on family vacation.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the legal consequences of the alleged crime.A harsh, gritty close-up of a single handcuff symbolizes the legal consequences of the alleged cruise ship killing.Today in Miami

A 16-year-old Florida teenager has been charged as an adult for the alleged sexual assault and killing of his 17-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner while the two were traveling on a Carnival Cruise Line ship in November 2025. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined Kepner's cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.

Why it matters

Crimes committed on cruise ships in international waters present unique jurisdictional challenges for law enforcement. This case highlights the need for improved safety protocols and security measures to protect passengers, especially minors, while at sea.

The details

According to court records, the Titusville teenager was traveling on the Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon with Kepner and other family members when the incident occurred. Investigators said that while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, the teenage stepbrother allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner.

  • The incident occurred in November 2025 while the cruise ship was in international waters en route to Miami.
  • The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office later determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.

The players

Anna Kepner

A 17-year-old Florida teenager who was killed aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship in 2025.

The 16-year-old Stepbrother

A Titusville, Florida teenager who has been charged as an adult for the alleged sexual assault and killing of his stepsister Anna Kepner.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones, for the Southern District of Florida

What’s next

The teenager was initially charged as a juvenile in February, and the case remained sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved safety and security measures on cruise ships, especially to protect vulnerable passengers like minors. It also highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when crimes are committed in international waters.