A Florida teenager faces charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse following the death of his stepsister on a cruise ship.
Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, was charged by the US Justice Department. The charges were initially brought in February and formally indicted on March 10. The case details were revealed after a seal was lifted, weeks following a judge’s decision to prosecute him as an adult at the government’s request.
The tragic incident occurred on the Carnival Horizon ship in November. Anna Kepner, 18, was discovered deceased under a bed in a cabin she shared with two other teenagers, including her stepbrother. The ship was en route to Florida at the time.
The cause of Anna’s death on November 6 was identified as mechanical asphyxia, resulting from an obstruction to her breathing.
Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, expressed the family’s reliance on the justice system to seek the truth diligently. However, he expressed concern over Hudson not being in custody despite the severity of the charges, describing the situation as deeply distressing for the entire 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.
Prosecution of teens in federal court is rare. Hudson had pleaded not guilty to the charges in February. Court proceedings were private due to his age, and court documents were not publicly available.
A judge ordered Hudson to wear an electronic tether while residing with his uncle, allowing a recent temporary stay with his father at a landscaping business, as per newly disclosed court records.
Prosecutors have raised concerns about Hudson’s release, citing potential danger, and have requested a review of the order now that he has been charged as an adult. Defence attorneys have been given a week to respond.
Assistant US Attorney Alejandra López highlighted the gravity of the crimes committed against a victim with no apparent conflict, emphasizing the familial relationship between Hudson and Anna.
