Stepbrother Charged in Death of Cheerleader on Cruise Ship

16-year-old faces federal murder and sexual abuse charges in connection with Anna Kepner's death

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff against a pitch-black background, with dramatic lighting creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash photography of a lone handcuff evokes the grim, investigative nature of this tragic case involving the death of a young woman on a cruise ship.Today in Miami

Months after 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner was found dead during a family cruise, her 16-year-old stepbrother has been indicted on federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse. The teen, referred to only as T.H. in court documents, will be tried as an adult for the alleged crimes that occurred while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Anna Kepner, a beloved high school senior, has shaken her family and the local community. The federal charges against her stepbrother raise serious questions about cruise ship safety, the handling of crimes that occur in international waters, and the challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders for heinous acts.

The details

According to court documents, the 16-year-old stepbrother, T.H., allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Anna Kepner while the Carnival Horizon cruise ship was in international waters on its way to Miami on November 7th. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined that 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, 2026 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, 2026.
  • The federal indictment against T.H. was initially filed under seal on February 2, 2027, but the case was later transferred to adult prosecution and unsealed on April 13, 2027.

The players

Anna Kepner

An 18-year-old high school senior and cheerleader who was found dead during a family cruise vacation.

T.H.

Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother, who has been indicted on federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with Kepner's death.

Chris Kepner

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

Shauntel Hudson Kepner

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

Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The U.S. Attorney representing the Southern District of Florida, who expressed condolences to the victim's family.

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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”

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

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

— Chris Kepner, Anna Kepner's father

“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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow T.H. to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved safety protocols and oversight on cruise ships, as well as the challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders for serious crimes that occur in international waters. The Kepner family's call for justice and accountability reflects the community's desire to ensure Anna's life is honored and that her case is not forgotten.