Father Accepts Diploma for Daughter Killed on Carnival Cruise Ship

Christopher Kepner accepted his daughter Anna's high school diploma on Sunday at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. The ceremony took place on the day that would have been her graduation. Anna Kepner, 18, was reported dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November.

Prosecutors allege she was sexually assaulted and intentionally killed by her 16-year-old stepbrother. Christopher Kepner is married to the suspect's mother, Shauntel Kepner. He told ABC News that accepting the diploma was difficult.

The valedictorian spoke about Anna Kepner during the ceremony, describing her as someone who encouraged classmates and had a positive impact on others. Christopher Kepner said he and Shauntel Kepner received a copy of her yearbook with messages from classmates. Anna Kepner had already earned the credits required to graduate and planned to join the military, according to her family.

The stepbrother has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. He is scheduled to stand trial in September. Prosecutors said Anna Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation. Christopher Kepner did not comment on the criminal case during the interview.