A federal judge has allowed Timothy Hudson, 16, to remain in the custody of a family member while awaiting trial for the killing and s**ual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner.
Hudson has been free since his arrest following the death of Kepner on November 7, 2025, during a Carnival cruise. Originally charged as a juvenile, his case was moved to adult court after a federal grand jury indicted him in April.
Judge Considers Detention Options
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres stated that if Hudson were an adult, he likely would have been detained. However, because he is a minor, and his family lives hundreds of miles away in Hernando County, the judge allowed him to remain under supervised release while considering the possibility of moving him closer to home.
Hudson may leave the house only under the supervision of his uncle or aunt and will be monitored electronically with a GPS tracker.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutor Alejandra Lopez argued that Hudson poses a danger to the community, noting that two minors live in his uncle’s home and questioning whether authorities can be certain he will not act violently again.
Defense attorney Evan Kuhl argued that Hudson is neither a flight risk nor a danger, citing his compliance with release conditions since his arrest.
Details of the Crime
Authorities said Hudson and Kepner were sharing a cabin during the family cruise, which included her father, stepmother, and two other children. Kepner’s body was discovered wrapped in a blanket under her bed, concealed by life vests.
The Miami-Dade medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation. Investigators previously reported that Hudson was arrested while the ship was in international waters and was hospitalized upon docking. He has since received counseling.
Trial and Victim Remembrance
Hudson faces charges of murder and aggravated s**ual abuse. Prosecutors say his trial could begin in September.
Chris Kepner, the victim’s father and Hudson’s stepfather, emphasized that “justice needs to be served.” Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader, was remembered as “bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself” and had plans to cheer for the University of Georgia.
