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Stepbrother Accused of Rape, Murder on Cruise
13 Apr
Summary
- Stepbrother indicted as adult, facing life for rape and murder.
- Victim's body found wrapped in blanket under bed.
- Feds allege stepbrother used force during sexual assault.
A federal grand jury has indicted a 16-year-old stepbrother as an adult in connection with the death of Anna Kepner, who was found deceased on a Carnival Cruise. Prosecutors in Florida have charged the stepbrother, identified only by his initials T.H., with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. This indictment supersedes previous juvenile charges and reveals harrowing allegations.
The federal indictment asserts that T.H. vaginally penetrated Anna by the use of force. This is the first time rape has been formally alleged by federal prosecutors in relation to her killing. Anna's death was determined to be from mechanical asphyxiation, with evidence of bruising on her neck, suggesting a possible "bar hold" technique.
Anna's body was discovered on November 7th of the previous year, concealed beneath a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother. Reports also surfaced of the stepbrother allegedly having an unusual infatuation with Anna, including an incident where he climbed on top of her while she slept. If convicted, T.H. faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
