Anna Kepner case: Ex-FBI agent reveals why stepbrother was charged federally as adult; ‘it is very rare'

Anna Kepner’s stepbrother will be tried as an adult despite being 16. FBI retaining the case is unusual, ex-agent Jennifer Coffindaffer explains why.

Updated on: Apr 14, 2026 7:31 AM IST

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The murder of Florida teen Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship off Miami's coast took a key turn on Monday after the DOJ announced charges against Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother for her death.

The 16-year-old's arrest was anticipated by many, as it was revealed earlier that he was being treated as the main suspect by the FBI. But as the charges against Kepner's stepbrother were revealed by the Department of Justice, a few key details stood out.

DOJ said that Kepner has been charged of sexually assaulting and intentionally killing 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 6, 2025. Anna, her father Chris Kepner, stepmother Shauntel Kepner and her stepbrother were aboard the ship when the she was killed.

The DOJ alleged the 16-year-old "sexually assaulted and intentionally killed" Anna Kepner, with her official cause of death ruled mechanical asphyxiation. Her body was found concealed under a bed with life vests by a cleaning staff on November 8.

Also read: All about Anna Kepner's family: Father, mother, stepmother and siblings

Stepbrother To Be Tried As Adult

However, crucially, it was revealed that Anna Kepner's stepbrother will be charged as an adult despite initially being charged as a juvenile. Additionally, it was revealed that the case will remain with the FBI, which is a rare thing, as a former FBI agent noted.

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer noted on X that cases that happen on US waters are given to the FBI. But when the charges are filed, it is handed over to local authorities. But the FBI deviated from that tradition why the agency took that decision.

Ex-FBI Agent Breaks Down Key Details; ‘It is so rare’

Jennifer Coffindaffer said that it was the sexual assault charges in the case that led to the FBI upgrading the case and retaining it instead of handing it to the local sheriff's department, which is customary with juvenile cases in federal jurisdiction.

"We have a federal indictment," she said an X live stream. “Whenever something happens on a plane, boat or train, it is FBI jurisdiction.”

"In this case, because the individual was juvenile, that puts a big problem on the FBI because we have no way to handle juveniles: there is no juvenile system, juvenile detention center."

Also read: Anna Kepner update: Stepbrother may face charges as alleged ‘uncle’ makes big suspect claim

"So, one of two things has to happen: It has either to be transferred to a local jurisdiction to handle or it has to be elevated from a juvenile case to an adult case."

"This is so rare," she continued. "The only time I have seen it is on reservation cases. You just don't see in a federal case. So, this is huge. And this is why it happened: it came out in the indictment sheet that she was sexually assaulted.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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