A federal judge in Miami on Wednesday declined to immediately detain a 16-year-old boy charged with sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship, allowing him to remain free pending further arguments.
Case Details
Timothy Hudson, 16, was originally charged as a juvenile, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres previously permitted him to stay with an uncle under electronic monitoring. However, after prosecutors moved the case to adult court, they sought his detention. The case falls under federal jurisdiction because the alleged murder occurred in international waters, beyond any single state's authority.
Hearing Outcome
Wednesday's hearing concluded without a final decision. Judge Torres stated he wanted to consult the U.S. Marshals Service about the possibility of housing Hudson in central Florida, closer to his family, rather than in South Florida where the trial will take place. Hudson left the courthouse after the hearing rather than being taken into custody. It remains unclear when Torres will issue his ruling.
Charges and Evidence
Hudson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. His federal public defenders have declined to comment. According to a criminal complaint, the victim, Anna Kepner, was found hidden under a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson and another teen aboard the Carnival Horizon in November. Her death was attributed to mechanical asphyxia—when an object or physical force prevents breathing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra Lopez argued that the crimes were so severe that the court should not risk another violent attack. An autopsy determined Kepner was pinned down and forcibly raped, and prosecutors stated it took Hudson 3 to 5 minutes to strangle her. Lopez claimed Hudson posed a danger to the community and a flight risk because he now faces a possible life sentence if convicted as an adult. As a juvenile, he would have been released at age 21 regardless of any findings.
Defense Arguments
Defense attorney Evan Kuhl noted that Hudson had complied with release conditions for months without incident. Judge Torres acknowledged that an adult facing such charges would almost certainly be detained, but he must consider Hudson's age despite the adult charges. He agreed with the defense that Hudson was a low flight risk but remained undecided about whether the teen posed a threat to the community with certain pretrial restrictions.
Family Statement
Anna Kepner's father, Christopher Kepner, released a statement expressing the family's trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity, describing the situation as deeply painful and complex. Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. At her memorial service, family members encouraged bright colors instead of traditional black in honor of her bright and beautiful soul.
