Christopher Kepner accepted his daughter Anna's high school diploma on her behalf at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, on Sunday, following her death on a Carnival cruise ship in November. The 18-year-old's stepbrother, aged 16, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the incident.
During the ceremony, Kepner received a standing ovation as he stepped in for his daughter, whom he described as 'wonderful'. He told ABC News that while it was 'very hard', his family is 'a little bit happier for it'. The school's valedictorian, Josiah Ray El Aouar, paid tribute to Anna, saying he was 'heartbroken' and recalling her ability to 'light up a room'.
According to the Justice Department, Anna was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed by her stepbrother as the cruise ship returned to Miami in early November. Her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests under a bed. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death as mechanical asphyxiation.
Christopher Kepner and his wife, Shauntel Kepner, who is the suspect's mother, have also received Anna's yearbook, signed by her classmates. Anna had aspired to become a cheerleader for the University of Georgia, serve in the Navy, and work as a K9 police officer, according to her obituary.
The 16-year-old suspect has pleaded not guilty and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. His trial, originally scheduled for June, has been postponed to September.
