Teen Detained Before Murder Trial for Alleged Killing of Stepsister on Carnival Cruise Ship

A teenager, identified as T.H. due to his minor status, has been ordered to be detained pending trial for the alleged murder of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship. U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres reversed a previous decision allowing T.H. to remain in the custody of a family member, citing that no release conditions could adequately protect the community. T.H. is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with Kepner's death, which occurred on November 7, 2025. The judge noted that the circumstances of the alleged crime, which involved the killing of a household member in a confined space, warranted detention due to public safety concerns. T.H. had complied with prior release conditions but the seriousness of the allegations led to the current ruling. The judge also mandated mental health evaluation and treatment for T.H. while in custody. A sealed order has directed that he be delivered to the U.S. Marshals in Tampa.