Federal authorities have indicted the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, charging him as an adult with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in her killing on a cruise ship.
The Department of Justice identified the defendant only as “T.H.”
T.H. and Kepner were with a bunch of other family members on a cruise ship on November 6 and 7, 2025. “During that time, while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner,” reads a press statement from the DOJ.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office later determined Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation.
Kepner’s 18-year-old body was found wrapped in a blanket under a bed on a cruise ship in November 2025, with few clues as to what happened to her.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “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.”
T.H. was initially charged as a juvenile by information on February 2. The case was under seal until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.
T.H. is charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case.
Kepner was allegedly sharing a room with her stepbrother at the time of her death.
In February, Kepner’s father, Chris Kepner, and his wife, Shauntel Hudson Kepner, released a statement thanking the FBI and the DOJ for “their dedication, professionalism, and thoroughness in the investigation” into Anna’s murder as they continued to hope for “accountability” and a “full and fair legal process.”
“The loss of our daughter is a pain that will never fully heal. She was taken from us in a violent and senseless way, and our family has been permanently changed,” their statement read. “Our grief is overwhelming, and her absence is felt in every part of our lives. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and no words can fully express the depth of our loss.”
The statement continued, “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. It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable. This only strengthens our resolve to continue seeking justice for our daughter.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
