MIAMI (AP) — Timothy Hudson, a teenager accused of sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival Cruise ship, was taken into custody after a federal judge revised his pretrial release order due to the transfer of his case to adult court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami confirmed that Hudson is now in custody. Judge Edwin Torres originally allowed Hudson to live under electronic monitoring with an uncle, but after the charges were escalated, the prosecution sought his detention.
The judge ruled that Hudson should be treated as an adult, with the understanding that he would be held in an approved juvenile facility. The decision was made following a hearing where the judge determined that no condition of release could ensure community safety.
Hudson faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his federal public defenders have not commented publicly on the case.
Kepner was traveling on the Carnival Horizon ship in November with her family, including Hudson. Her body was later discovered concealed under a bed in their shared room. An autopsy revealed the cause of her death was mechanical asphyxia, as she was strangled.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra Lopez argued during the hearing that Hudson’s alleged actions were so severe that he should not be released. She presented evidence of the brutal nature of the alleged crime, noting how it likely took several minutes for him to strangle his sister.
Hudson initially walked out of court following the May 27 hearing, as discussions continued on the logistics of his detention. Prosecutors highlighted the increased flight risk due to the potential life sentence he would face if convicted on adult charges.
The case raises complex legal challenges, particularly because it involves actions that occurred in international waters, placing it under federal jurisdiction. Kepner’s family has expressed their trust in the judicial system to pursue the truth amid this painful situation.
"Anna was a vibrant young woman, and we are focused on getting justice for her," her father, Christopher Kepner, stated. He added that the family hopes for a thorough and fair judicial process.
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