16-Year-Old Pleads Not Guilty to Adult Charges in Stepsister’s Murder and Sexual Abuse Case

A 16-year-old boy charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The teen waived his court appearance in Miami on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and his defense lawyers entered the plea on his behalf, according to court filings.

Prosecutors allege the boy sexually assaulted and intentionally killed 18-year-old Anna Kepner while the family was on a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025. Her body was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests.

The Miami-Dade medical examiner’s office determined Kepner died of mechanical asphyxia. She was traveling with her father, stepmother, grandparents, and other family members at the time of her death.

We were all having a great time. I couldn’t fathom why anyone would wanna hurt my baby.

Barbara Kepner, Anna Kepner’s grandmother

Anna Kepner’s grandparents said the relationship between her and her step-siblings was happy and described their family as blended but united, stating there was “no such thing as steps” in their dynamic.

Legal Proceedings

The boy was initially charged as a juvenile but has since been indicted by a federal grand jury as an adult on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges. Prosecutors are seeking to have him held in pretrial detention, arguing he is a danger to the community.

About Anna Kepner

Anna Kepner was an 18-year-old cheerleader expected to graduate from secondary school in Florida in May 2026 and had expressed interest in joining the military. Her family described her as a beloved member of their close-knit unit.

Case Status

The next hearing will determine whether the teen will be taken into custody pending trial. His name is not being released by Florida Today due to his age. If convicted, he could face life in prison.