Teen Charged in Carnival Cruise Death Remains Free, May 27

A federal judge in Miami allowed a 16-year-old to remain free on May 27 after a hearing on whether he should be jailed pending trial. The teen faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November. The case is unusual because the death occurred in international waters, placing it under federal jurisdiction and making prosecution of a minor rare.

Why the Case Went to Federal Court

Anna Kepner died in international waters on November 6, placing the case outside any state’s jurisdiction. Federal law applies when crimes occur beyond state boundaries. The teen was initially charged as a juvenile and allowed to live with an uncle under electronic monitoring. After a grand jury indicted him as an adult in February, prosecutors requested he be held in custody until trial.

The Judge’s Decision and Reasoning

U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres ended the hearing without making a final decision on May 27. Torres said he wanted to consult with the U.S. Marshals Service about holding the teen in Central Florida, closer to his family, rather than South Florida where the trial will occur. The judge noted detention in Miami would make family visits difficult. The teen walked out of the courthouse after the hearing rather than being taken into custody.

What Happened to Anna Kepner

Kepner’s body was found concealed under a bed in a room she shared with the suspect and another teen before the Carnival Horizon returned to Florida. An autopsy determined the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, when an object or physical force stops someone from breathing. Prosecutors argued the crimes were serious enough to justify detention. Kepner’s father said the family was placing trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.

Rare Federal Prosecution of a Minor

Minors are rarely prosecuted in federal court. The teen has pleaded not guilty to both charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. His federal public defenders have declined to comment. The judge has not announced when he will make a final decision on detention.

Final Thoughts

A federal judge delayed a decision on whether to jail the teen while awaiting trial, citing logistics of detention location. The case highlights how international waters place crimes under federal law, making prosecution of minors exceptionally rare.

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