Cruise ship killing: Stepbrother can stay out of jail, judge rules

Key Points:

• A federal judge in Florida ruled that the 16-year-old boy accused of killing his stepsister on a cruise can remain out of jail under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and only leaving home with his uncle.
• The teen, charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in September; prosecutors allege he sexually assaulted and killed his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family cruise in November.
• Prosecutors presented detailed surveillance footage from the cruise showing the suspect's movements around the time of Kepner's death, highlighting suspicious behavior such as entering and exiting the cabin multiple times and restricting access to a younger sibling.
• The defense argues the case is circumstantial with significant gaps and emphasizes the teen's cooperation and compliance with court orders since the incident, while prosecutors express concern over potential future risks.
• U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres instructed U.S. Marshals to explore detention options in the Tampa area, reflecting ongoing concerns about the suspect's custody status as the case proceeds.