A Florida teenager accused of murdering his stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship has been placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals ahead of his trial. The 16-year-old suspect, identified in court documents by his initials T.H., was ordered to report to the federal courthouse in Tampa on Monday to be transferred.

He faces federal charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the November 2025 killing of his stepsister, 18-year-old Anna Kepner. T.H. has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that the sexual assault and intentional killing occurred on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship while it was en route to Miami. Officials stated that Kepner, a high school senior, died from mechanical asphyxiation.

Prosecutors had argued for T.H. to be held in detention, citing concerns about his dangerousness. His defense attorneys countered that he is a minor who has cooperated with the investigation and has shown no indication of posing a threat since the incident. The judge considered various detainment options in the Tampa area before ruling for the custodial transfer.

The federal trial for T.H. is scheduled to begin on September 8. The victim's family expressed relief that the accused will be held in custody, stating it was painful to know he had been free. They conveyed hope for a swift conclusion and justice.

Anna Kepner's father, Chris Kepner, is married to the suspect's mother, Shauntel Kepner. The Kepner family issued a statement thanking the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance. They emphasized that they are now at peace knowing he cannot harm anyone else while awaiting trial.

The family also noted that Kepner's birthday was recently observed. While acknowledging that birthdays are difficult without her, they stated they continue to honor her memory and cherish the love and joy she brought into their lives. They reiterated their hope for a swift legal process and justice.

The indictment by a federal grand jury charged T.H. as an adult. The circumstances of the killing aboard the cruise ship, which was en route to Miami when the incident occurred, have been a focus of the investigation. The FBI and other agencies have been involved in the case.

This development comes as the legal proceedings move towards the trial date. The family's statements highlight the emotional toll the case has taken on them, alongside their pursuit of justice for Anna Kepner.