A Florida teen is being prosecuted as an adult in connection with the murder and sexual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship last year, authorities announced.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida said a federal grand jury leveled the indictment against the 16-year-old suspect identified as “T.H., 16, of Titusville.”

‘I couldn’t fathom why anyone would hurt my baby.’

T.H. has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.

The suspect faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted, according to the statement.

The press release revealed that the defendant was charged as a juvenile on February 2.

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered the suspect to face adult prosecution, according to the news release.

As Blaze News previously reported, 18-year-old Anna Kepner took a family vacation aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship that departed from Miami for a six-day Caribbean trip last November.

Kepner was traveling on the ship with her father, grandparents, stepmother, and her stepmother’s two children, including Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother accused of killing her.

A cruise ship crew member on November 7 discovered Kepner’s body under a bed in the cabin the siblings shared on the cruise ship.

At the time of her death, the cruise ship was in international waters and on its way back to port in Miami.

Kepner’s death was ruled a homicide.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated, “T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner.”

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined Kepner’s cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.

In November, a source informed ABC News that Kepner’s death may have been caused by asphyxiation from a bar hold — a chokehold maneuver in which the arm is pressed across the neck. The source also noted that there were two bruises on the side of Kepner’s neck.

The FBI is investigating the case because the alleged crimes occurred on the “high seas,” or international waters, and involve the purported victim as a U.S. national.

RELATED: Cheerleading trip to Las Vegas ends in ‘unimaginable loss’ as court docs reveal Utah mom’s dark past before murder-suicide

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a statement:

Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López is prosecuting the case against the teen defendant.

On February 6, the suspect made his first appearance in federal court in Miami and was then released into the custody of a family member, a law enforcement official informed People magazine.

Christopher Kepner, Anna’s biological father, on Monday told WTVJ-TV, “He needs to be arrested at this time. He is now an adult, and he needs to be arrested. That is where the family stands. Justice needs to be served.”

The grieving father previously told NBC News, “Our daughter’s life matters, and we will continue to speak out to honor her, to seek accountability, and to ensure that her case is not forgotten.”

As Blaze News reported in February, court documents show that “social media from the Kepner family has indicated that they want the ‘nails in the coffin’ of [the minor], and that both the Kepner family and the respondent ‘want him buried.'”

Anna’s grandmother, Barbara Kepner, told ABC News in November, “I couldn’t fathom why anyone would hurt my baby.”

“We were looking forward to see her grow,” said Anna’s grandfather Jeffrey Kepner. “The cruise itself wasn’t what made me excited. It was the fact that I was gonna get to spend another week with my youngest son and his family and all the grandkids.”

Kepner was described as a “bubbly, funny, outgoing” high school cheerleader who “loved her siblings deeply,” according to her obituary.

Kepner’s obituary describes her as a Christian whose “faith blossomed as beautifully as her smile.”

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

​Anna kepner, Anna kepner murder, Anna kepner stepbrother, Florida, Florida man, Florida woman, Murder, Sexual abuse, Crime 

The House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump in December 2019 over a phone call he had months earlier with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

While the U.S. Senate ultimately acquitted Trump by a vote of 57-43 in early 2020, the stitch-up had by that stage sufficiently muddied the waters and buoyed Democrats’ false narrative in an especially heated election year.

‘It is always worse than we thought.’

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released documents on Monday revealing that hearsay and erroneous claims from a few politicized bad actors who lacked any firsthand knowledge of the phone call were used as the basis to impeach Trump and that elements of the intelligence community were not only aware but happy to advance the false narrative.

The documents — investigative materials used by former Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who got the ball rolling on impeachment, and transcripts of his testimony released as the result of a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence vote last month — show that Atkinson skirted standard IG procedures and, embracing a kind of strategic myopia, leaned entirely on what the ODNI described as “politicized, manufactured narratives” without ever once bothering to access the transcript of Trump’s call.

A self-declared “Democrat” whistleblower who worked for the CIA filed a complaint in August 2019 alleging Trump was “using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. elections. This interference includes, among other things, pressuring a foreign country — Ukraine — to investigate one of the President’s main domestic political rivals, former Vice President Biden.”

On the call, Trump reportedly made reference to how Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in aid to Ukraine unless the prosecutor investigating the corrupt and now-defunct Ukrainian company Burisma, where Hunter Biden was appointed director in 2014, was fired.

The ODNI noted on the basis of the newly released documents that Atkinson — who spun the complaint as “credible” and rushed it to the congressional intelligence committees — had bothered to interview only four individuals whose credibility and political motives were clearly suspect.

RELATED: Democrat says he’s filed articles of impeachment against Trump over social media post

House Judiciary Committee hearing on Dec. 12, 2019. Alex Edelman/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Besides the whistleblower — credibly identified as Eric Ciaramella, the Obama holdover and CIA analyst who reportedly partook in Obama White House discussions regarding Hunter Biden and Burisma — Atkinson interviewed the whistleblower’s friend, “who was a co-author of the January 2017 Russia Hoax Intelligence Community Assessment and close colleague of former FBI Agent Peter Strzok,” and two character references.

Not only did Atkinson rely upon the testimonies of politicized actors, he determined that the complaint must be reported to Congress despite the Justice Department determining there was “no urgent concern” and the whistleblower confirming he had no “direct knowledge of private comments or communications by the President.”

It appears the hearsay-dependent allegations were buttressed by wild speculation.

One of the “witnesses” had admitted after reading a transcript of the call that they “would not have been able to get from ‘point A to Z’ the way the Whistleblower did” and that they had to “read between the lines” in order to conclude Trump was discussing quid pro quo.

The ODNI noted that the newly released “witness” interviews demonstrate that Atkinson’s public assertion that “other information obtained during [his] preliminary review … supports the complainant’s allegation” was false and obfuscated the fact that there was no firsthand evidence of what was being alleged.

The newly declassified documents confirm not only that the whistleblower lied to Atkinson about leaking to congressional Democrats prior to submitting his allegations to the inspector general but that he was, contrary to Atkinson’s characterization, politically biased.

Atkinson testified to Congress that he “never considered the whistleblower to be politically biased.”

He drew this conclusion despite the whistleblower stating in his interviews that he is a “registered Democrat”; had “worked closely with Vice President Biden” and had traveled with Biden to Ukraine; and was the “target of right-wing bloggers … and conspiracy theorists.”

“Deep state actors within the Intelligence Community concocted a false narrative that was used by Congress to usurp the will of the American people and impeach the duly-elected President of the United States,” stated Gabbard.

“Inspector General Atkinson failed to uphold his responsibility to the American people, putting political motivations over the truth. And this, along with the politicization of the whistleblower process by a former CIA employee who was working hand in glove with Democrats in Congress, are egregious examples of the deep state playbook on how to weaponize the Intelligence Community,” continued Gabbard.

In 2019, Gabbard was a Democratic congresswoman representing Hawaii and cast the only “present” vote on both articles of impeachment.

“It was a sham from the start,” tweeted Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). “The only thing we got wrong is that it is always worse than we thought.”

Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, who worked to defend Trump at his impeachment trial, told Just the News that Trump could have grounds to expunge his impeachment in the House in light of the new revelations.

“It’s never been done. I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t be done,” said Dershowitz.

“These government officials will probably have to pay a political price, if not a legal price, for violating the Constitution, because that’s what they’ve done. They violated the Constitution,” said Dershowitz, adding that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to confront witnesses.

In terms of seeking remedy, Dershowitz suggested Trump could always bring a civil lawsuit.

Trump evidently liked Dershowitz’s suggestions and said on Truth Social, “Alan, one of the greats, should do it!”

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

​Abuse of power, Alan dershowitz, Articles of impeachment, Director of national intelligence, Donald trump, Eric ciaramella, Hunter biden, Impeachment, Inspector general, Intelligence community, Justice department, Phone call, President donald trump, Trump, Tulsi gabbard, Ukrainian president, Volodymyr zelenskyy, Whistleblower complaint, Politics 

Whatever hopes Kevin Cichowski had of launching a political career are now likely over after he was arrested in connection with an attack on two elderly individuals in Florida last week.

On Friday morning, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a 911 call from a residence in Palm Coast about what the office described as “a domestic disturbance with a weapon.” According to the 911 caller, the allegedly armed suspect “had battered two elderly victims in the home — hitting one with a cane and throwing a cellphone at the other.”

‘This is insane.’

The 911 caller, who was one of the two victims, claimed the suspect “had threatened to kill them multiple times and stated he would kill law enforcement if they were called,” the sheriff’s office said.

What’s worse, the two victims were holed up in a bedroom of the residence, unable to escape because one of the victims was “bedridden,” the sheriff’s office added. Deputies at the scene managed to help the victims evacuate the residence safely.

The suspect was identified as 46-year-old Kevin Cichowski.

Bodycam footage, obtained and shared by the New York Post, reveals Cichowski rambling about his mother and father during his arrest. The outlet noted that though the sheriff’s office did not verify any relation between the parties involved, the two victims are believed to be Cichowski’s parents.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Cichowski says as a deputy escorts him out of the residence in handcuffs, video shows.

“I haven’t done anything wrong,” he adds. “This is insane.”

RELATED: ‘Die from masturbation’: Days before murdering his parents, Utah ‘trans’ man made eerie complaints about ‘lunatic’ housemate

– YouTube

Cichowski has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a person over 65, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, tampering with a witness, and two counts of robbery by sudden snatching.

During his trip to jail, Cichowski expressed suicidal ideation, the sheriff’s office said, prompting detention under the Florida Baker Act, which involves detaining those experiencing a mental health episode and who may pose a threat to personal or public safety.

Jail records indicate he remains in custody as of Monday evening. Cichowski was also arrested in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.

The Facebook post from the sheriff’s office noted Cichowski’s attempted forays into Floridian politics: “Cichowski is running for election for Governor of Florida. Cichowski previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021.”

Cichowski did indeed file for the Florida gubernatorial race as a Democrat on March 24, according to Florida State Department records.

Even before his arrest, however, his prospects were rather dim. The Democratic field is already crowded with former Rep. David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings dominating the race. One poll released following Cichowski’s entry has him registering nominal support.

Cichowski’s campaign and the Florida Democratic Party did not respond to requests for comment from Blaze News.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

​Democratic party, Florida, Flagler county, Palm coast, Kevin cichowski, Politics 

Recently, a simple note from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins wishing staff a meaningful Easter and reminding them that it was a day to celebrate the “foundations of our faith” has caused those in the secular-state industrial complex to rhetorically crucify the secretary.

The right of a U.S. secretary of agriculture — or any public official — to send a pro-Easter message to staff is not only constitutionally permissible, it is deeply consistent with the text, history, and tradition of the First Amendment.

There’s a difference between hearing something and being made to say it yourself.

The First Amendment safeguards the free exercise of religious practice in public while ensuring that there will be no state-mandated religion. Critics often interpret the Establishment Clause as requiring a strict secular silence from public officials, but that interpretation is historically incomplete.

The Constitution does not demand a religion-free public square; rather, it prevents coercion or official establishment of a national church.

This kind of message is not new. It echoes in older scenes: a president bowing his head at the end of a proclamation, members of Congress listening to a morning prayer before debate begins, a phrase stamped quietly onto a coin that passes through countless hands.

Indeed, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that government may acknowledge religion as part of the nation’s heritage. From legislative prayers upheld in Marsh v. Chambers to holiday displays permitted in Lynch v. Donnelly, the court affirmed that ceremonial and traditional expressions of faith are compatible with constitutional principles.

A secretary of agriculture sending a goodwill Easter message fits squarely within this tradition.

Religious references have been woven into American governance since the founding. Presidents from George Washington onward have issued proclamations referring to God and religious observances.

Congress employs chaplains. The national motto, “In God We Trust,” appears on currency. These practices demonstrate that the framers did not intend to purge religious expression from public office, but to prevent its abuse.

Easter, specifically, has long been recognized both culturally and institutionally in the United States. Federal employees often receive time off for Easter-related observances, and presidents frequently release Easter messages reflecting on themes of renewal and hope.

A pro-Easter message that is inclusive in tone — perhaps acknowledging the holiday’s themes or extending goodwill to those who celebrate — does not coerce belief or participation. Employees remain free to disregard the message, just as they are free to observe or not observe the holiday.

RELATED: The trial lawyers come for online free speech

Skodonnell/Getty Images

There’s a difference between hearing something and being made to say it yourself. The First Amendment lives in that space. It protects the employee who quietly appreciates the message and the one who deletes it without a second thought.

Suppressing such expressions, on the other hand, risks creating a different constitutional problem: hostility toward religion. The Supreme Court has cautioned against interpretations of the Establishment Clause that demonstrate animus toward faith.

Neutrality does not mean erasure; it means equal treatment. Allowing a pro-Easter message does not privilege Christianity so long as the government does not exclude or penalize other beliefs.

In a religiously pluralistic society, the goal should not be to eliminate religious references from public life, but to ensure that they are expressed in a way that respects freedom for all.

The secretary of agriculture sending an Easter message — grounded in tradition, delivered without coercion, and consistent with historical practice — falls well within those constitutional boundaries.

​Brooke rollins, Radical left, Supreme court, First amendment, Free speech, Religious liberty, Easter, Easter message, Christianity, Opinion & analysis