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Anna Kepner death: Teen accused of killing stepsister heading to trial
A teenager accused in the killing of Anna Kepner is moving toward trial in federal court, with his attorneys maintaining his innocence and requesting a jury trial. The 16-year-old defendant, identified as Kepner’s stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, is charged with raping and killing her aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
MIAMI - A 16-year-old boy accused of raping and killing Anna Kepner on a Carnival cruise ship is headed to trial after entering a not guilty plea in federal court, attorneys said Wednesday.
The suspect, identified by prosecutors as Timothy Hudson, waived a full hearing that lasted less than two minutes.
What's New:
During a hearing in Miami on Wednesday, Hudson's defense team formally entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial. He did not appear in court in person.
Authorities have not said why Hudson remains free pending trial, and no detention hearing has been scheduled. Prosecutors and defense attorneys declined to comment following the proceeding.
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The case stems from allegations that Hudson killed his 16-year-old stepsister while aboard a cruise ship. He faces violent federal charges that could carry a life sentence if convicted.
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A former investigator said the decision not to detain him is unusual and raised concerns about public safety. Legal experts say prosecutors would need to request a detention hearing and show he is either a danger or a flight risk to hold him in custody before trial.
What's next:
Both sides are now preparing for a fast-moving federal trial, with attorneys indicating key forensic evidence, including DNA collected on the ship, will play a central role in the case.
The Source: This story was written based on federal court proceedings in Miami, Florida, on April 22, 2026.