16-Year-Old Charged as Adult in Death of Stepsister on Carnival Cruise Ship

Charges Announced Against Stepbrother The Department of Justice announced on Monday that a 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister Anna Kepner during a family cruise vacation.

A federal grand jury has indicted the 16-year-old boy as an adult—despite his initial juvenile charging—for first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. According to ABC News and prosecutors, the stepbrother is accused of sexually assaulting and intentionally killing Anna Kepner; the boy has pleaded not guilty.

Anna Kepner, aged 18, died on the Carnival Cruise ship Horizon in November while the ship was in international waters heading to Miami.

Officials stated that Anna Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation. The boy was initially charged as a juvenile.

Background on Anna Kepner Anna Kepner was a Florida high school senior set to graduate from high school in May.

Kepner’s family said she was interested in joining the military. ' The incident occurred during a family cruise vacation. Prosecutors noted the events took place in international waters. The charges stem from actions by the stepbrother against Anna Kepner on the ship.