A Florida teenager is facing charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse following the death of his stepsister on a cruise ship.
The US Justice Department announced that Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, was charged in connection with the incident. Hudson was initially charged in February and indicted on March 10, but details of the case were revealed only after a seal was lifted weeks later, following a judge’s decision to prosecute him as an adult.
The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was found deceased under a bed in a room she shared with two other teenagers, including her stepbrother, on the Carnival Horizon ship in November.
The cause of Anna’s death, determined to be mechanical asphyxia, occurs when an object or force obstructs breathing.
Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, expressed that the family is relying on the justice system to uncover the truth. However, he voiced concerns that Hudson has not been taken into custody despite the gravity of the charges, describing the situation as deeply distressing for the family.
Hudson has been under the care of an uncle since his arrest in February.
A high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, Anna was remembered for her vibrant personality at a memorial service where attendees were encouraged to wear bright colors in her honor.
Prosecuting teens in federal court is uncommon. Hudson, who pleaded not guilty in February, was initially placed under electronic monitoring while living with his uncle. Recent court records revealed that he was allowed to spend time with his father at a business.
Prosecutors have contested Hudson’s release, citing concerns about his potential danger. They have requested a review of the release order now that he is being charged as an adult, with defense lawyers having a week to respond.
Assistant US Attorney Alejandra López highlighted in a court filing that Hudson’s actions were committed against a victim he was supposed to consider as a sibling, despite having no apparent conflicts with her.