A Florida judge has ordered a teenager accused of murdering and sexually assaulting his stepsister while aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship last year to remain jailed without bond as he awaits trial on adult charges that could bring life in prison if convicted.
Background
Timothy Hudson was 15 years old when prosecutors allege he killed Anna Kepner, his 18-year-old stepsister, aboard the Carnival Horizon during a November 2025 voyage with family members. The ship was at sea when authorities say the crime occurred, placing it under federal jurisdiction.
According to court documents, Hudson and Kepner shared a cabin on the vessel. Prosecutors allege they were alone together from approximately 7:51 p.m. to 11:21 p.m. the night she died. Investigators contend that Kepner's Apple Watch, which tracked her heart rate, stopped functioning during this timeframe—evidence authorities believe corresponds with when the alleged crime occurred.
The medical examiner's autopsy determined that Kepner died by asphyxiation and had been sexually assaulted, according to charging documents filed in federal court.
The Investigation
Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile in February 2026 and released into the custody of his maternal uncle pending trial. However, prosecutors later sought to transfer him to adult status, arguing the severity of the allegations warranted adult prosecution.
In April 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Hudson on one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated sexual abuse—both charges that carry potential life sentences upon conviction. His case now falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Following the indictment, Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres held a detention hearing to determine whether Hudson should remain confined or be released pending trial. On June 10, Torres issued an order mandating that Hudson be taken into federal custody and detained without bond.
Key Takeaways
- Hudson was originally charged as a juvenile but was indicted as an adult in April on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges
- The alleged crime occurred aboard the Carnival Horizon while the ship was at sea with family members present
- Prosecutors presented Apple Watch data allegedly showing Kepner's heart rate stopped during the time prosecutors say she was killed
- Judge Torres rejected defense arguments for continued release, citing the gravity of the charged offenses and concerns about community safety
- Hudson has no prior criminal history and had complied with release conditions before being charged as an adult
What's Next
Hudson is scheduled to stand trial in September 2026. He will be housed at the Miami-Dade County Metro West Detention Center by July 10, having already been transferred to U.S. Marshals Service custody. His defense team has entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
Federal prosecutors have indicated they intend to present extensive forensic and digital evidence at trial, including testimony about the Apple Watch data and findings from the medical examiner's investigation into Kepner's death.