A teenage boy has pleaded not guilty to killing his stepsister Anna Kepner on a cruise ship five months ago.
The 16-year-old from Titusville, Florida, was arrested in February, and last week, the Department of Justice announced that he was charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
He was traveling aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon ship with 18-year-old Kepner and other family members in early November as the ship was heading back to Miami. The DOJ said the teen “allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed” his stepsister on the trip.
Kepner’s body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests under a bed, a security source previously told ABC News. Her cause of death was later determined to be mechanical asphyxiation, which is when an object or physical force cuts off someone’s breathing.
The teenage boy’s not guilty plea was made in a court filing Tuesday, according to reports.
Kepner’s stepbrother faces the maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted of the charges.
Kepner was remembered as “bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself” in an obituary. She had dreams of being a cheerleader for the University of Georgia, a servicemember in the Navy and a K9 police officer.
Kepner’s father, Chris Kepner, and her stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, said in a statement last week, “Our family is devastated by the loss of Anna and continues to grieve this unimaginable tragedy.”
"This situation is deeply painful and complex for our entire family," the Kepners said in the statement shared by ABC News. "Anna was deeply loved, and we remain committed to honoring her life and memory every day."
Kepner’s stepbrother was set to be arraigned at a Miami courthouse on Wednesday. The Tuesday filing reportedly waived his appearance, but the hearing is still expected to go on without him.
The teen’s defense attorney and federal prosecutors both confirmed to NBC News that the arraignment will still take place.
Kepner’s stepbrother is currently in the custody of his uncle, according to reports.
