Federal prosecutors are pushing to jail a 16-year-old, referred to as TH, in relation to the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner on a cruise ship.
In a recent filing, officials requested the judge to either imprison the teenager before trial or impose stricter conditions on his release, citing changes after he was charged as an adult.
The teenager, identified only by his initials, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse stemming from Kepner’s death aboard a Carnival cruise ship last November. TH’s attorney, Eric Cohen, has filed a motion to allow the teen to skip his arraignment, entering a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Prosecutors allege that TH sexually assaulted and killed his sister-in-law during a family vacation. Initially, he was released as the case was handled under juvenile laws, but this has now shifted to adult court, prompting a reevaluation of his release status. The defense contends he should remain free until a judicial decision is made.
This struggle has drawn the ire of Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, who expressed outrage that TH is still allowed to stay with family despite being charged. He shared his frustration, stating he believes the teenager should have been arrested already and worries about the implications of his freedom. “It’s been six months,” he remarked, “and he’s free to go wherever he wants while our family is left in turmoil.”
Additionally, the legal documents revealed an unexpected timeline, indicating TH was first indicted in February, followed by a federal grand jury indictment on March 10, and his case was officially moved to adult prosecutors by April 10.
If convicted, TH could face a life sentence. Christopher insists, “I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit. He shouldn’t be out—he poses a risk to himself and others.”
This case comes after Anna, affectionately called “Banana Anna” by her family, was found dead on the cruise ship during what was supposed to be a fun getaway with relatives. An investigation has concluded that her death resulted from “mechanical asphyxiation,” as per prior reports. She was discovered wrapped in a blanket and wearing a life jacket underneath a bed in a cabin shared with her brother-in-law.
Fox News Digital reached out to TH’s attorney for a response.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” commented U.S. Attorney Jason A. Redding Quiñones. He noted that the federal grand jury indicted TH for serious crimes, emphasizing that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution plans to handle the case with diligence and professionalism.
