The father of an 18-year-old who was allegedly murdered and sexually assaulted aboard a cruise ship has spoken out, describing the accused stepbrother as a “danger” who should be in “an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs.” Christopher Kepner expressed his outrage to the Daily Mail, frustrated that the accused, 16-year-old T.H., remains at large despite facing federal charges as an adult.
“We’re upset that he’s still out. We’re six months in, and he should already have been arrested, and yet he’s free to do whatever he wants right now,” Kepner lamented. “That’s our problem. He’s been able to do whatever he wants and go where he wants, but the family’s been sitting here unable to do anything.”
Initially charged as a juvenile on February 2, T.H. now faces charges as an adult for first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, the penalties could be severe, potentially leading to a life sentence.
Court documents identify the 16-year-old stepbrother as T.H., who stands accused of the horrific crimes against 18-year-old Anna Kepner. The tragic event unfolded on the Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon ship, where Anna, affectionately known as “Anna banana,” was found dead during a family vacation that included her father, stepmother, grandparents, and several siblings.
The 16-year-old stepbrother, identified as T.H. in court documents, is accused of sexually assaulting 18-year-old Anna Kepner and intentionally killing her on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon ship. (Shauntel Kepner/Facebook)
The charges come months after the teen, affectionately called “Anna banana,” was found dead onboard the cruise ship during a family vacation with her father, stepmother, grandparents and several siblings.
“I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general,” Christopher Kepner said.
“He’s a danger to himself and a danger to others.”
Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship on Nov. 7, during a vacation with her family. (Anna Kepner/Instagram)
Kepner said that the 16-year-old has shown no remorse since the alleged murder, the Daily Mail reported.
“He’s still saying that he can’t remember and that’s about it. He hasn’t apologized. He hasn’t shown any remorse for anything,” he added.
Christopher Kepner (center, red hat) arrives to a memorial service for his daughter, Anna Kepner, at the Grove Church in Titusville, Florida, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The 18-year-old cheerleader was reportedly found dead under a bed on a Carnival Cruise on November 7. (Mark Sims for Fox News Digital)
On Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida announced that Anna’s stepbrother would be charged as an adult.
The teen is facing possible life in prison if convicted, records showed. Fox News Digital has reached out to T.H.’s attorneys for comment.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Anna Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother outside of a Federal Court building in Miami, Florida, Feb. 6, 2026. The teen is accompanied by his attorney. (Fox News)
Anna Kepner was discovered dead around 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 7 inside her cabin aboard the cruise ship. Authorities later ruled her death a homicide caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” according to documents previously reviewed by Fox News Digital.
According to investigators, she was found under the bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The cabin was shared with her stepbrother.
In February, T.H. was seen arriving in federal court in Miami. The teenager walked into the courthouse in a camouflage hoodie, his face concealed beneath a low-pulled baseball cap and a hood wrapped tightly around it.
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