The essentials
Teen charged in stepsister's cruise ship death detained pending September 2026 trial.
Timothy Hudson, 16, has been ordered detained until trial for the death of Anna Kepner, 18, who was found dead aboard a cruise ship in November 2025. Hudson was indicted as an adult for first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Hudson surrendered to U.S. Marshals following the detention order. His mother and Kepner's father had married 11 months prior to the incident.
Trial is scheduled to begin September 8, 2026 in Miami.
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Indictment as adult expedites case toward 2026 trial date
Hudson's indictment as an adult moves the case through Miami's criminal justice system. With trial scheduled for September 2026, pretrial proceedings will determine what evidence prosecutors present. The detention order reflects the court's determination regarding bail conditions.
Eight months from arrest to court-ordered detention decision
Anna Kepner's death in November 2025 initiated the investigation. Hudson's surrender to U.S. Marshals and subsequent detention order represent key procedural milestones. The September 2026 trial date provides approximately 18 months from the incident for case preparation.