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Stepbrother pleads not guilty to murder, sex abuse charges in teen's cruise ship death

Prosecutors say the 16-year-old sexually assaulted and killed his 18-year-old stepsister, and he could face life in prison if convicted.

  • On Tuesday, a 16-year-old pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, waiving his appearance in Miami federal court.
  • Kepner was discovered by a housekeeper under her bed in a Carnival Horizon stateroom during a family cruise in November 2025; the ship returned to Port Miami on Nov. 8, 2025.
  • ABC News reported Kepner died by asphyxiation from a 'bar hold,' while investigators identified two bruises on her neck; prosecutors allege the 16-year-old sexually assaulted and intentionally killed her.
  • A federal judge ruled the case will proceed with the defendant prosecuted as an adult rather than as a juvenile, meaning he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
  • Following the death, the 16-year-old underwent psychiatric observation in Miami before his release, while the family of the Titusville, Florida, teen stated they want Kepner remembered for her 'generosity and spirit.
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Teen charged with killing Florida stepsister on cruise ship pleads not guilty

A teenager charged with killing his stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship filed a not-guilty plea Tuesday and waived his appearance at a hearing in Miami federal court.

·Atlanta, United States
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Krem2 News broke the news in Spokane, United States on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
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