Stepbrother Charged in Cruise Ship Death of Cheerleader Anna Kepner

16-year-old faces federal murder and sexual abuse charges months after 18-year-old's death on Carnival cruise

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a broken necklace clasp against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence at the center of this tragic cruise ship crime.A grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded aboard a family cruise, this stark image of physical evidence evokes the serious nature of the federal charges against the suspect.Today in Miami

The 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner has been indicted on federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with Kepner's death while on a family cruise in November. The stepbrother, referred to only as T.H. in court documents, will be tried as an adult.

Why it matters

This case has drawn national attention and raised concerns about cruise ship safety and security, as well as the legal challenges of prosecuting crimes that occur in international waters. The Kepner family has been vocal in seeking accountability and justice for their daughter's death.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, while the Carnival Horizon cruise ship was in international waters en route to Miami, T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted and killed Anna Kepner. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined Kepner's cause of death was 'mechanical asphyxiation'. T.H. has been released into the custody of a guardian, but not his parents.

  • Anna Kepner was found dead on November 7 while vacationing with her family on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
  • The cruise ship returned to the Port of Miami the next day, as planned, on November 8.
  • The federal indictment against T.H. was initially filed under seal on February 2, 2026, and then transferred to adult prosecution and unsealed on April 13, 2026.

The players

T.H.

The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner who is facing federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with Kepner's death.

Anna Kepner

The 18-year-old cheerleader who was found dead during a family vacation on a Carnival cruise ship.

Chris Kepner

Anna Kepner's father and T.H.'s stepfather, who has called for justice and accountability in his daughter's death.

Shauntel Hudson Kepner

T.H.'s mother, who revealed in a court appearance that her son was hospitalized shortly after the cruise ship's return to Miami.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The U.S. Attorney representing the Southern District of Florida, who stated that the federal government's 'hearts go out to the victim's family during this unimaginable loss'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our daughter's life matters, and we will continue to speak out to honor her, to seek accountability, and to ensure that her case is not forgotten.”

— Chris Kepner, Anna Kepner's father

“Justice needs to be served. That is where the family stands.”

— Chris Kepner, Anna Kepner's father

“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.”

— U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow T.H. to be released on bail at a hearing on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex legal and jurisdictional challenges of investigating and prosecuting crimes that occur on cruise ships in international waters, as well as the need for improved safety and security measures to protect passengers.