Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship , DOJ says
Case Summary
In November 2025, 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead aboard the Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon during a Caribbean voyage. Her 16-year-old stepbrother, identified as T.H., was charged as an adult by federal prosecutors with sexual assault and intentional homicide. The incident occurred while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation. The case involves complex jurisdictional issues due to the crime taking place on a cruise ship outside U.S. territorial waters. The prosecution's decision to try the minor as an adult highlights the severity of the allegations and the anticipated legal challenges ahead.
Stage
Active litigation
Timeline
1 event
Coverage
2 articles
Sources
1
Key Issues
- • Jurisdiction over crimes committed in international waters
- • Charging minors as adults in serious criminal cases
- • Homicide and sexual assault allegations
- • Evidence collection and admissibility on cruise ships
- • Federal prosecution of crimes occurring on vessels
Analysis & Coverage
Case Timeline
1 eventFlorida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship , DOJ says
A 16-year-old boy from Florida has been charged as an adult for the murder of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, who was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship in 2025. The incident happened while the ship was sailing in international waters, and investigators say the teen sexually assaulted and strangled her. This case is significant because it involves a serious crime committed by a minor in a complex jurisdictional setting on a cruise ship.
Press Coverage
Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship , DOJ says
Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship, DOJ says The 16-year-old stepbrother of Florida teenager Anna Kepner has been officially charged as …
Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship , DOJ says
Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship, DOJ says The 16-year-old stepbrother of Florida teenager Anna Kepner has been officially charged as …