Stepbrother Charged in Cruise Ship Murder of Anna Kepner

DNA evidence likely to be used against 16-year-old Timothy Hudson, who is being tried as an adult

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken piece of jewelry or torn fabric swatch, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the forensic evidence in the cruise ship murder case.Forensic evidence from the crime scene aboard the Carnival cruise ship could be crucial in the case against the teenage suspect.Titusville Today

A 16-year-old Florida boy, Timothy Hudson, has been charged with the murder and sexual assault of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025. Prosecutors are expected to use DNA evidence and other forensic evidence to build their case against Hudson, who is being tried as an adult and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting crimes that occur in international waters, as well as the complex legal issues around trying minors as adults for serious violent offenses. It also raises questions about cruise ship safety and security, and the impact of such tragedies on families.

The details

According to prosecutors, Hudson allegedly sexually assaulted and killed Kepner while the Carnival Horizon cruise ship was in international waters en route to Miami. The cause of Kepner's death was determined to be mechanical asphyxiation. Hudson was the last person seen going in and out of the room he was sharing with Kepner. Prosecutors say they likely have DNA evidence corroborating the sexual assault, as well as other digital and crime scene evidence tying Hudson to the crime.

  • Kepner's body was found concealed under a bed in the room she was sharing with Hudson on November 6-7, 2025.
  • Hudson was arrested in February 2026 and initially charged as a juvenile.
  • In February 2026, a judge ordered Hudson to be tried as an adult at the request of the government.
  • Hudson was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse on March 10, 2026.
  • Prosecutors have asked a judge to review or revoke Hudson's current release order, as he is living in a home with other minors.

The players

Timothy Hudson

A 16-year-old Florida resident who has been charged with the murder and sexual assault of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship.

Anna Kepner

The 18-year-old victim who was allegedly murdered and sexually assaulted by her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, aboard a Carnival cruise ship.

Neama Rahmani

A former federal prosecutor and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, who commented on the likely use of DNA and other forensic evidence in the case against Hudson.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, who stated that prosecutors will pursue the case against Hudson with "professionalism and care."

Christopher Kepner

The father of victim Anna Kepner, who expressed concern that Hudson has not been taken into custody despite the seriousness of the charges.

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What they’re saying

“Prosecutors "likely have forensic evidence, including DNA corroborating the sexual assault, and digital evidence including cellphone evidence.”

— Neama Rahmani, Former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers

“Our hearts go out to the victim's family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

— U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida

“At the same time, we are deeply troubled that, despite the seriousness of the charges, [Hudson] has not been taken into custody.…The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family.”

— Christopher Kepner, Father of victim Anna Kepner

What’s next

Lawyers for Hudson have until April 20 to respond to prosecutors' filing seeking a review or revocation of the release order. Other court dates, including a trial date, have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the challenges of prosecuting crimes that occur in international waters, as well as the complex legal issues around trying minors as adults for serious violent offenses. It also raises important questions about cruise ship safety and security, and the lasting impact of such tragedies on families.