A 16-year-old has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a cruise ship, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The case centers on the death of Anna Kepner, a high school student from Titusville, Florida, who died in November 2025 while traveling with her family aboard the Carnival Horizon in international waters. Her body was later discovered hidden in a cabin she shared with other teenagers, including her stepbrother, who has since been identified as the main suspect.

The incident quickly drew international attention after it emerged that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved in the investigation and that a minor could be implicated. Court filings related to a separate family dispute later pointed to the suspect, initially identified only by his initials due to his age.

Authorities arrested the teenager in early 2026, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A federal judge allowed him to remain out of custody under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and supervision by a relative. Prosecutors subsequently moved to try him as an adult, a request that was not opposed by the defense.

In March, federal prosecutors filed an updated indictment under seal, which was later unsealed in April, revealing further details of the case. Shortly afterward, the Justice Department formally confirmed the charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

The case remains ongoing in federal court and continues to attract widespread attention due to its severity, the age of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident at sea.