A teenager accused of sexually assaulting and murdering his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival Cruise ship is scheduled to face trial in just over a month, according to a court order issued this week.
Trial Date Set
U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom announced on Monday that the trial for Timothy Hudson will commence on June 1 in Miami. Hudson faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
The 16-year-old was initially charged as a juvenile, but the case was later transferred to adult court. He submitted a written plea of not guilty last week. It is uncommon for minors to be prosecuted in federal court.
The Incident
Anna Kepner, the victim, was traveling with her family—including Hudson—on the Carnival Horizon ship in November. According to a criminal complaint, her body was discovered concealed beneath a bed in a cabin she shared with Hudson and another teenager, just before the ship was scheduled to return to Florida.
The cause of death for Kepner, who died on November 6, was determined to be mechanical asphyxia, which occurs when an object or physical force prevents breathing.
Family Statement
Christopher Kepner, Anna's father, released a statement expressing the family's trust in the justice system. “The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family,” he said. “We place our trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.”
Victim's Background
Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, located about 40 miles east of Orlando. During her memorial service in November, family members encouraged attendees to wear bright colors instead of traditional black “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.”
