A 16-year-old male has been formally charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his stepsister during a family cruise, as reported by the Department of Justice on Monday.

According to prosecutors, Anna Kepner, aged 18, tragically passed away aboard the Carnival Cruise ship Horizon in November while navigating international waters en route to Miami.

The Department of Justice claims that the stepbrother “sexually assaulted and deliberately killed” Kepner, who succumbed to mechanical asphyxiation, as stated by officials.

Initially charged as a juvenile, the boy has now been indicted as an adult by a federal grand jury, facing serious allegations of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

Kepner’s family expressed their grief in a statement last year, remembering the 18-year-old as someone who “loved being around people” and had a captivating smile and demeanor.

Her family mentioned that she was expected to graduate from high school in May and had aspirations of joining the military.

This situation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.