Florida Teen Charged as Adult in Stepsister's Cruise Ship Death

A 16-year-old Florida boy has been charged as an adult with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship, the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday.

Timothy Hudson was initially charged in February and indicted on March 10. The case remained sealed until Friday, when U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami approved the prosecution's request to try him as an adult.

In November, Hudson's stepsister, Anna Kepner, was traveling with her family on the Carnival Horizon. Before the ship's scheduled return to Florida, her body was discovered concealed under a bed in a cabin she shared with two other teenagers, including Hudson. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxia, indicating that an object or physical force had obstructed her breathing.

Hudson has pleaded not guilty and has been under the supervision of an uncle since his arrest in February. Prosecutors have objected to his release, citing concerns about public safety, and have requested the court to reconsider his custody status now that he is being charged as an adult. Defense attorneys have been given a week to respond.

Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. At her memorial service in November, family members encouraged attendees to wear bright colors "in honor of Anna's bright and beautiful soul."

U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones expressed condolences to the family, stating, "Our hearts go out to the victim's family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters."

Kepner's father, Christopher Kepner, released a statement expressing trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity. He also conveyed concern that, despite the seriousness of the charges, Hudson has not been taken into custody, describing the situation as deeply painful and complex for the entire family.

Teenagers are rarely prosecuted in federal court. Hudson's case is notable for its severity and the decision to charge him as an adult.