The murder of Florida teen Anna Kepner on a Carnival cruise ship took a key turn Monday after the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges in the death of her 16-year-old stepbrother.
The 16-year-old’s arrest was expected by many, following earlier news that the FBI considered him a prime suspect. But as the Justice Department reveals details of the charges against Anna Kepner’s stepbrother, some key details stand out.
Kepner is accused of sexually assaulting and intentionally killing 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Anna, her father Chris Kepner, stepmother Shontell Kepner and stepbrothers were on the boat when 18-year-old Anna was killed.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged 16-year-old Anna Kepner with “sexual assault and intentional murder.” The official cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation. Her body was found hidden under the bed, wearing a life jacket.
Stepbrother to be tried as adults
Crucially, however, it was revealed that Anna Kepner’s stepbrother will be treated as an adult despite being initially charged as a teenager. Additionally, it was revealed that the case would be retained by the FBI, a rare occurrence as one former FBI agent noted.
Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer noted on X that cases in U.S. waters are referred to the FBI. But once charges are filed, they are handed over to local authorities. But the reasons for the FBI’s decision departed from that tradition.
This story is being updated.
