A 16-year-old boy accused of murdering and sexually abusing his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family cruise has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. The teen waived his court appearance in Miami, and his defense attorneys entered the plea on his behalf Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Prosecutors are asking a judge to hold the boy in pretrial detention, arguing he poses a danger to the community despite no prior violations of release conditions.
The teen, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was indicted March 10 on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges following a grand jury hearing. His arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday at a U.S. Southern District courthouse in Miami but was postponed after the plea waiver. The defense previously requested the teen not be held in detention, citing his compliance with release terms and the availability of other restrictions.
The boy lived with Kepner and her family in Titusville before the alleged crime. Court documents show the defense is focusing on whether pretrial detention is justified based on the prosecution's claim that the teen is a community threat. No evidence of prior misconduct or flight risk has been presented, according to the defense's arguments.
The next hearing will determine if the teen is taken into custody. His case is being handled in federal court, with prosecutors emphasizing the severity of the charges and the need for public safety measures. The boy’s lawyers have not commented publicly on the plea or detention dispute.