Teen Accused of Killing Stepsister on Cruise Ordered Into Custody

Romain Maurice / Getty ImagesA federal judge has ordered that Timothy Hudson remain in custody until his murder trial begins later this year, reversing an earlier decision. The 16-year-old, who has been charged as an adult, is accused of killing and sexually assaulting his stepsister, Anna Kepner, 18, aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise in November 2025. Hudson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges. In a June 10 order, U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres reversed an earlier decision that allowed Hudson to live with an uncle under strict monitoring. The judge wrote that Hudson “presents a danger to himself and to others that no curfew, monitor, or custodial placement can be trusted to contain.” Although Hudson has no prior criminal record and complied with the terms of his release, Torres cited the severity of the allegations and lack of remorse. Kepner’s body was discovered hidden beneath a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson. Authorities said she had been sexually assaulted and died from asphyxiation. Kepner was a high school senior and cheerleader; she planned to attend the University of Georgia. Her father described her as a “beautiful, bright young girl” whose future was cut short. Kepner’s father, Christopher Kepner, and Hudson’s mother, Shaunter Kepner, married in December 2024.Read it at The Independent Read more at The Daily Beast.