Federal prosecutors say 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner died after her 16-year-old stepbrother allegedly placed her in a prolonged chokehold inside their cruise ship cabin last fall. Authorities say she struggled to breathe for several minutes before losing consciousness and dying from lack of oxygen.
Chokehold Allegations
Court documents and unsealed hearing transcripts allege that Timothy Hudson, Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother, wrapped his arm around her neck in a bar-style chokehold and maintained the hold until she stopped breathing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra López told a judge that Kepner “struggled to breathe for minutes” while Hudson kept the hold, and prosecutors claim he could have released her at any time but did not.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation, consistent with the chokehold described in court.
Discovery on Cruise Ship
Kepner was found dead on November 7, 2025, under a bed in the Carnival Horizon cabin she shared with Hudson during a family cruise in international waters between the Caribbean and Miami. Investigators reported bruising and other injuries consistent with strangulation and violent assault, and noted that her body had been concealed.
Because the incident occurred on a U.S.-based ship in international waters, the FBI is leading the investigation.
Federal Charges
In April, federal authorities announced that a grand jury indicted Hudson as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated s**ual abuse. Prosecutors allege that between November 6 and 7, 2025, Hudson s**ually assaulted Kepner in the cabin before killing her, and DNA and other forensic evidence were collected at the scene.
Court filings and media reports describe ruptured eardrums, signs of strangulation, and a premeditated, sustained attack, according to Fox35Orlando.
Detention Hearing
The chokehold allegations were discussed in detail during a February detention hearing. The court considered whether Hudson should remain in custody or continue under house arrest at his maternal uncle’s home with strict monitoring.
Background on Victim
Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was on the cruise with her father, stepmother, and other relatives. Her family publicly pushed for charges in the months after her death, according to ClickOrlando.
