A federal judge in Florida has ruled that a 16-year-old boy accused of killing his stepsister on a cruise ship may remain out of jail for now under strict supervision and electronic monitoring.
The teenager was first charged as a juvenile in February and was allowed to live with his uncle instead of being held in custody. After the case was transferred to adult court in April, prosecutors asked the court to detain him, arguing that they did not know what allegedly triggered the attack and warning about the risk of future danger. His defense team said he is a child who has cooperated with investigators, has shown no signs of violence since the death, and has complied with all court orders.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres ruled Wednesday that the teen can stay outside detention, but only with major restrictions. He must remain at home unless he is with his uncle, and he will continue to be tracked with an ankle monitor. The judge also said U.S. Marshals should look into possible detention options in the Tampa area.
Prosecutors say the suspect “sexually assaulted and intentionally killed” his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family vacation in November aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Officials said Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation. Her family has described her as a happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future.
The teen has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. His trial is scheduled for September.
At Wednesday’s hearing, prosecutors presented new details from a previously sealed transcript and said cruise ship surveillance video captured much of what happened that night. According to the transcript, the suspect entered the shared cabin around 7:35 p.m., and Kepner entered about three minutes later. Prosecutors said that was the last time cameras showed her alive. A younger sibling entered the cabin around 7:51 p.m. and left soon after.
Prosecutors said the suspect was not seen leaving the room again until 10:13 p.m., when he was seen looking up and down the hallway as if checking for anyone nearby. They said he went in and out of the cabin several more times between 10:23 p.m. and 10:49 p.m., and placed a privacy sign on the door at 10:53 p.m. The younger sibling and the suspect were then seen coming and going again. At 12:09 a.m., prosecutors said, the younger sibling tried to enter the room but was blocked by the suspect and made to wait outside for several minutes.
Defense attorney Evan Kuhl said the case is circumstantial and argued that it has significant gaps. The case continues as the teen awaits trial under court-ordered monitoring.
