Christopher Kepner accepted his daughter Anna's high school diploma at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, on Sunday, weeks after her stepbrother was charged with her murder on a Carnival cruise ship. The 18-year-old was found dead aboard the Horizon in November, and her stepbrother, 16, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault.
During the ceremony, Mr. Kepner received a standing ovation as he stepped in for his 'wonderful' daughter, describing the moment as 'very hard' but one that left his family 'a little bit happier.' The school's valedictorian, Josiah Ray El Aouar, paid tribute to Anna, saying: 'I'm so heartbroken and distraught that I cannot say these words while looking into your eyes. I miss your smile, your sassiness and your ability to light up a room with your gentle and infectious laugh.'
According to the US Justice Department, the stepbrother allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Anna as the ship returned to Miami in early November. Her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests under a bed, and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as mechanical asphyxiation.
Mr. Kepner and his wife, Shauntel Kepner – who is the suspect's mother – recently received a copy of Anna's yearbook signed by her classmates. 'We're looking forward to reading what they wrote,' he said.
Anna had dreams of becoming a cheerleader for the University of Georgia, serving in the Navy, and working as a K9 police officer, according to her obituary. Her stepbrother faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted, with his trial postponed from June to September.
