Judge declines to jail teenager accused of killing stepsister aboard cruise ship
Judge Allows Teen Accused in Cruise Ship Death to Remain with Family Pending Trial
A federal judge in Miami has decided not to jail 16-year-old Timothy Hudson while he awaits trial in connection with the death of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025.
Hudson has been living with his uncle since Kepner’s death. Although he was originally charged as a juvenile, a federal grand jury later indicted him as an adult in April, raising the possibility that he could be detained before trial.
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres said the case presented a difficult decision. He noted that if Hudson were an adult under the same circumstances, detention would likely have been ordered. However, because Hudson is still a minor, the judge said the situation required different consideration.
The judge also considered the distance between Miami-Dade County, where the case is being handled, and Hernando County, where Hudson’s family lives. Torres said he wanted to explore whether Hudson could potentially be detained closer to his family before making any decision to place him in custody.
Prosecutors argued that Hudson should be detained, calling him a danger to the community. Government attorney Alejandra Lopez pointed out that two minors live in the uncle’s home where Hudson is staying and questioned what further proof would be needed to show he poses a risk.
Hudson’s public defender, Evan Kuhl, argued that Hudson has followed all release conditions for several months and has not shown himself to be a flight risk or danger to the public.
Under the current conditions, Hudson may only leave the home with his uncle or aunt and will be monitored electronically.
Kepner’s body was found wrapped in a blanket and hidden under a bed in her cruise ship room, concealed by life vests. The Miami-Dade medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation.
Kepner, 18, was a high school senior and cheerleader who had hoped to cheer for the University of Georgia. Her family remembered her as outgoing, funny, and full of personality.
Hudson’s trial could begin as early as September.
