Judge Weighs Detaining 16-Year-Old Timothy Hudson in Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Murder Case
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 27
Judge Weighs Detaining 16-Year-Old Timothy Hudson in Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Murder Case
12 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 27
Miami federal court was set to decide Wednesday whether Timothy Hudson should remain free or be jailed before trial on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges in Anna Kepner’s death.
Prosecutors asked to revoke his prior release after the case moved from juvenile handling to adult prosecution and a superseding indictment was returned, arguing he is both a flight risk and a danger to others.
Hudson, 16 at the time of the alleged November 2025 killing aboard Carnival Horizon, had been released to a family member; prosecutors noted he now lives in a home with minors and said no conditions can ensure public safety.
Defense lawyers opposed immediate detention and sought referral back to the judge who issued the original release order, while Kepner’s family said they are outraged he has remained in the community for months.
If convicted, Hudson could face life in prison in a case stemming from Kepner’s death by mechanical asphyxiation after she was found under a bed in the cabin she shared with him.
Why was a teen murder suspect freed, defying a federal law that demands detention?
How did a murder go unnoticed on a crowded cruise ship until the voyage ended?