Stepbrother Indicted for Murder and Sexual Abuse of Anna Kepner on Cruise

The 16-year-old will be tried as an adult and faces life in prison if convicted.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a torn and crumpled piece of fabric, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a black background, conceptually representing the evidence in the alleged crime aboard the cruise ship.A grim reminder of the alleged violence that occurred aboard the Carnival cruise ship, this stark image captures a key piece of physical evidence in the case.Today in Miami

A federal grand jury has indicted the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025. The case is being tried in federal court because the incident occurred on open water. The stepbrother, identified as T.H. in court documents, will be tried as an adult and could face life in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when crimes are committed on international waters, as well as the challenges of prosecuting minors for serious offenses. It also raises questions about cruise ship safety and security protocols.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, T.H. was a passenger on the Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon ship when he allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner, 18, "on or about Nov. 6-7, 2025." Kepner's body was found under her bed the following day. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined her cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.

  • On Nov. 6, 2025, Kepner returned to her room on the cruise ship.
  • On Nov. 7, 2025, Kepner was found dead under her bed.
  • On Nov. 8, 2025, FBI agents questioned Kepner's family members, including T.H., when the cruise ship docked in Miami.
  • On Feb. 6, 2026, T.H. made his first appearance in federal court in Miami and was released into the custody of a family member.

The players

T.H.

The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner who has been indicted on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

Anna Kepner

The 18-year-old victim who was found dead under her bed on the Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon.

Shauntel Kepner

The mother of T.H. and stepmother of Anna Kepner, who voiced anger over the decision to release T.H. on bail.

Chris Kepner

The father of Anna Kepner and husband of Shauntel Kepner, who also expressed outrage over T.H.'s release on bail.

Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, who stated that the federal government will present the evidence in court and pursue the case with professionalism and care.

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What they’re saying

“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage.”

— Shauntel Kepner, Mother of T.H. and Stepmother of Anna Kepner

“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.”

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

What’s next

The judge will decide on T.H.'s bail status at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex legal and security challenges that can arise when crimes are committed on cruise ships in international waters, as well as the need for stronger protocols to protect passenger safety.