(Miami, FL) - The federal trial for a 16-year-old who is accused of raping and murdering his stepsister during a cruise is scheduled to begin on June 1, according to US District Judge Beth Bloom.
The teen is charged as an adult and has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse for the killing of his stepsister, Titusville cheerleader Anna Kepner, while at sea last November. The ship eventually docked in Miami and became a federal case after a maid found the body of 18-year-old Kepner under the bed in her cabin.
Prior to being charged as an adult, the stepbrother was released into the care of his uncle. He also has been granted daily release to work at his dad's landscaping business.
The state is moving to have this release revoked before the jury trial begins in Miami.