A Florida teenager is facing charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse following the death of his stepsister on a cruise ship.
The US Justice Department announced that Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, was charged with these offenses. The case was initially filed in February and formally indicted on March 10. Details of the case emerged after a seal was lifted, revealing that he would be prosecuted as an adult.
The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was discovered deceased under a bed in a cabin she shared with two other teenagers, including her stepbrother, while on the Carnival Horizon ship. The incident occurred on November 6, with the cause of death determined to be mechanical asphyxia.
Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, expressed the family’s reliance on the justice system to uncover the truth diligently. However, he voiced concerns over Hudson not being in custody, describing the situation as deeply painful and complex for the family.
Hudson has been under the care of an uncle since his arrest in February.
Anna, a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, was remembered for her vibrant personality at a memorial service where attendees were encouraged to wear bright colors in her honor.
While teenagers are seldom prosecuted in federal court, Hudson pleaded not guilty to the charges initially. Court records revealed that he was ordered to wear an electronic tether while staying with an uncle, a condition later modified to allow him brief visits with his father.
Prosecutors have raised objections to Hudson’s release, citing concerns about his dangerousness. They have requested a review of the conditions now that he is being charged as an adult, with defense lawyers given a week to respond.
Assistant US Attorney Alejandra López highlighted the severity of the crimes committed by Hudson against a victim he was meant to consider a sibling, despite a lack of apparent conflict in their relationship.
