Cruise ship killing: Judge orders stepbrother be taken into US Marshals' custody
Summary
A 16-year-old boy has been taken into U.S. Marshals' custody after being accused of killing his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival cruise ship in 2025. He faces charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse and has pleaded not guilty. The federal trial is scheduled to start on September 8, 2026.Key Facts
- The victim, Anna Kepner, was 18 years old and described as a bright student.
- The accused is her 16-year-old stepbrother, identified only by initials "T.H." in court.
- The incident occurred aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025.
- Prosecutors say the accused sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Anna Kepner.
- Anna Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation, meaning she was unable to breathe due to pressure on her body.
- The boy was indicted as an adult by a federal grand jury and has pleaded not guilty.
- He was ordered to report to a federal courthouse in Tampa and is now in U.S. Marshals' custody.
- The accused’s family and lawyers argue he has been cooperative and shows no signs of harm since the incident.
- Anna Kepner’s family expressed relief that the suspect is now in custody and hope for justice at the upcoming trial.
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