MIAMI — A 16-year-old, accused of killing his 18-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner on a cruise ship last year, stood by his plea of not guilty to charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse on Tuesday.

The accused, referred to by the initials T.H. due to his minor status, chose not to appear in person at a Miami court, as indicated by court records.

The grand jury revealed that T.H. was traveling with his stepsister, Anna Kepner, on the Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon ship in November 2025. Authorities claim he sexually assaulted her and subsequently caused her death while they were on board.

Initially charged as a juvenile in February, T.H. now faces prosecution as an adult following a federal judge’s decision. Should he be convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, he could receive a life sentence.

Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was found deceased on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. According to law enforcement sources cited by several news outlets, her body was discovered by a housekeeper concealed beneath the stateroom bed. The ship returned to Port Miami on November 8, 2025.

ABC News reported that Kepner died by asphyxiation resulting from a bar hold, a term for holding an arm across the neck. The media outlet also reported investigators found two bruises on the side of her neck. 

READ MORE: Cause of death revealed for Anna Kepner, the teen who was found dead on cruise ship

Following Kepner’s death, the T.H. was hospitalized for psychiatric observation after returning to Miami, before being released to stay with a family member, Barbara told ABC News. 

Her family previously told ABC News they wanted Kepner to be remembered for her generosity and spirit.