MIAMI (AP) — A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in Florida related to the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
The teen, known as T.H., was initially charged as a juvenile on February 2, but U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ruled he would be prosecuted as an adult following a request from prosecutors, with no objections from his defense lawyers.
The tragedy unfolded on the Carnival Horizon during a family cruise in November when the body of Anna Kepner was discovered concealed under a bed in their shared room.
Authorities determined Kepner’s death, which occurred on November 6, was caused by mechanical asphyxia—indicative of suffocation from an object or physical force preventing breath.
Kepner was remembered as a vibrant high school cheerleader from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. At her memorial service last November, family members urged attendees to wear celebratory colors in honor of her bright spirit.
Notably, T.H.'s prosecution in federal court is rare, as teens typically face charges in state courts. Legal experts suggest that this case falls under federal jurisdiction due to the crime occurring in international waters.
During a court appearance in February, T.H. was seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a cap. Following hearings, a judge ordered him to wear an electronic tether while living with an uncle, later permitting him to work briefly with his father in landscaping.
