Additional Coverage:
- Anna Kepner family ‘now at peace’ after judge jails stepbrother accused of cruise ship murder (themirror.com)
The stepbrother accused of murdering 18-year-old Anna Kepner during a family vacation has been detained ahead of his trial, bringing a sense of relief to Kepner’s family.
Timothy Hudson, 16, had been out on pre-trial release until a Florida judge revoked it on June 15. Family members expressed gratitude that Hudson “will not be able to harm anyone else” while awaiting trial.
In his order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G.
Torres emphasized that Hudson “presents a danger to himself and to others that no curfew, monitor, or custodial placement can be trusted to contain.” The judge also cited concerns about the “level of depravity and psychopathy” involved, fearing that Hudson could “snap at any time.”
The tragedy centers around Kepner’s death in November 2025 aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, where she was found asphyxiated just before the ship reached Miami. Authorities allege Hudson, who is being tried as an adult, forced his stepsister into sexual acts and then strangled her. Her body was discovered hidden beneath a bed in a cabin shared with two other teenagers, including a younger stepbrother.
Hudson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
In a statement to ABC News, Kepner’s family described the period during which Hudson remained free as “painful.” They expressed comfort in knowing he is now in custody and cannot cause further harm. The family also noted that Hudson’s bail was revoked shortly after what would have been Anna’s 19th birthday.
“While birthdays are never the same without her, we continue to honor her memory and cherish the love and joy she brought to our lives,” the statement read. They concluded by expressing hope for a swift resolution and justice for Anna Kepner.