It’s been nearly six months since 18-year-old Anna Kepner’s death aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025. What should have been a fun family vacation turned into a crime scene. On February 2, 2026, her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, was indicted as a juvenile in Anna’s death. This decision angered many who believed Anna would never get the justice she deserved. On April 13, 2026, that changed. A federal grand jury indicted Hudson as an adult on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Hudson reportedly showed his stepsister no mercy.
According to a release from the US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, Hudson allegedly killed Anna in international waters headed to Miami “on or about Nov. 6-7, 2025.” Following her death, investigators found signs of sexual assault. The Miami-Dade medical examiner listed her cause of death as “mechanical asphyxiation.”
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, shared in the news release. “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.”
Some experts believe Hudson’s attorneys will have a tough time with this case.
Hudson reportedly waived his right to appear in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Forensic analyst Joseph Scott Morgan spoke to Jesse Weber Live following Hudson’s plea. Morgan thinks Hudson might be hard to defend in the “absolutely gruesome” crime.
“The defense can try to juggle this as best they want, but here’s the one thing you can’t escape: these two individuals were occupying that same small space together,” Morgan said.
He added that DNA evidence doesn’t lie. “There is going to be a pile of evidence, think physical evidence, scientific evidence, even down to the molecular level. I’m thinking DNA at this point in time, and that’s going to be a real uphill battle for this defense team, for this individual.”
Hudson could spend his life in prison if he’s found guilty.
Because of his age, in Florida, Hudson will not face the death penalty if convicted of Anna’s murder. He could, however, face the rest of his life behind bars.
If Hudson raped and killed his stepsister, those are two very adult crimes. He should definitely face adult punishments. By 16, you know the difference between right and wrong. In our opinion, if you’re going to kill someone, you should never be allowed out of prison.
