A Miami federal judge will determine Wednesday morning whether a 16-year-old facing charges for sexually assaulting and murdering his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship will stay in jail while awaiting trial.
In February, U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres initially allowed Timothy Hudson to stay with an uncle under electronic supervision after his arrest and charges as a juvenile. However, prosecutors are now seeking to keep Hudson detained following the case’s move to adult court.
Hudson has entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges. Federal prosecution of minors is uncommon. Hudson’s federal public defenders have refused to provide comments regarding the allegations.
Anna Kepner, Hudson’s stepsister, was aboard the Carnival Horizon vessel in November with family members, including Hudson. Authorities discovered her body hidden beneath a bed in a room she shared with Hudson and another teenager before the ship was set to dock back in Florida, according to a criminal complaint.
Medical officials determined Kepner died on Nov. 6 from mechanical asphyxia, which occurs when breathing is prevented by an object or physical force.
Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, issued a previous statement expressing the family’s “trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.”
“The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family,” Kepner said.
Anna Kepner cheered for Temple Christian School’s team in Titusville, Florida, located approximately 40 miles east of Orlando. During her November memorial service, relatives asked attendees to dress in vibrant colors rather than traditional black “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.”
