A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in the killing of his stepsister, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, following a federal indictment that includes allegations of sexual assault and first-degree murder tied to a November incident aboard a Carnival cruise ship, as reported by The New York Post.

Federal authorities identified the suspect only as “T.H., a minor” in charging documents, even as he now faces adult charges that could carry a life sentence.

The Department of Justice announced Monday that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging the teen with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection with Kepner’s death.

According to the indictment, the suspect “sexually assaulted and intentionally killed” Kepner while the two were sharing a cabin aboard the Carnival Cruise ship Horizon during a six-day Caribbean voyage.

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Prosecutors allege the teen forced Kepner to “engage in a sexual act” and penetrated her before killing her.

Authorities previously ruled that Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation after her stepbrother placed her in a bar hold.

The incident occurred during the cruise in early November, and Kepner’s body was discovered the morning of Nov. 7.

According to officials, a cabin attendant found Kepner’s body after entering the shared room to clean. The 18-year-old had been wrapped in a blanket, covered with life jackets, and hidden underneath a bed.

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Investigators said Kepner’s younger brother was in the same cabin and slept just feet away from her body, unaware of what had occurred.

Following the discovery, the ship altered course and returned directly to the Port of Miami as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding Kepner’s death.

The suspect had initially been charged in February as a juvenile in connection with the killing.

The new federal indictment upgrades the charges and places the case in adult court, exposing the teen to significantly more severe penalties if convicted.

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The Department of Justice stated that the indictment reflects evidence gathered during the investigation, including the alleged sexual assault that prosecutors said occurred before the killing.

Kepner, who was from Titusville, was a senior at Temple Christian School and was expected to graduate in May. Her family said she had recently completed the testing required to join the military.

Known to family and friends as “Anna Banana,” Kepner was active as both a gymnast and cheerleader during her high school years.

Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect beyond his age and initials, citing his status as a minor at the time of the alleged crimes.

The case remains under federal jurisdiction, and further court proceedings are expected as prosecutors move forward under the new indictment.

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