Teen charged in stepsister's cruise ship death faces trial next year
Teen charged in stepsister's cruise ship death detained pending September 2026 trial.
Event / Security
Carnival Horizon Cruise Death
16-year-old Timothy Hudson detained for trial in connection with the November 2025 death of 18-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Kepner was found asphyxiated and sexually assaulted. Hudson is being tried as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, with trial scheduled for September 2026.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 16 Jun, 05:03 UTC
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What happened
16-year-old Timothy Hudson ordered detained until trial for stepsister's murder on cruise ship
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres issued an order on June 10 detaining Timothy Hudson, 16, until his trial. Hudson was previously allowed to live with an uncle while awaiting trial for the November 7, 2025 death of his stepsister Anna Kepner, 18, during a Carnival Horizon cruise. The judge determined Hudson presents a danger to himself and others that cannot be contained by curfew or monitoring.
Anna Kepner, 18, found dead on cruise ship in November 2025
Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead in a cruise ship cabin on November 7, 2025, during a Carnival Horizon voyage. She was discovered under a bed wrapped in a blanket and concealed by life vests. A medical examiner determined she had been sexually assaulted and asphyxiated. Kepner was a high school senior and cheerleader.
Timothy Hudson's trial scheduled to begin September 8, 2026
The federal trial of Timothy Hudson is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026, in Miami. Hudson is being tried as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Timothy Hudson indicted as adult for first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse
Timothy Hudson, 16, was indicted as an adult in early 2026 on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of Anna Kepner. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence.
Timothy Hudson surrenders to U.S. Marshals after detention order
Timothy Hudson surrendered to U.S. Marshals on Monday, June 15, after U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres issued a detention order. Hudson was booked into Citrus County jail and has until July 10 to be transferred to Miami for his trial.
Hudson's mother and Kepner's father married 11 months before the incident
Timothy Hudson's mother and Anna Kepner's father married in December 2024, approximately 11 months before Kepner's death during the cruise in November 2025. Both were aboard the cruise ship when the incident occurred.
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