Florida judge orders teen charged with stepsister's murder to remain in custody
A U.S. district judge reversed a prior release decision and ordered 16-year-old Timothy Hudson to stay in jail pending his September trial for the alleged sexual assault and killing of his stepsister on a cruise ship.
A federal judge in Florida ordered 16-year-old Timothy Hudson to remain incarcerated until his trial for the alleged sexual assault and first-degree murder of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a cruise ship last year. The June 10 order by U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres overturns an earlier ruling that had allowed Hudson to live with an uncle while awaiting trial.
Judge Torres wrote that Hudson, who was indicted as an adult, “presents a danger to himself and to others that no curfew, monitor, or custodial placement can be trusted to contain.” Hudson has pleaded not guilty and faces a possible life sentence if convicted. Although he has no prior criminal record and complied with previous release conditions, the judge noted the allegations suggest a “level of psychopathy and lack of remorse” that raises serious concerns.
Hudson’s attorneys have not responded to requests for comment. Kepner’s body was discovered in the shared cabin, concealed under a blanket and life vests. The medical examiner determined she had been sexually assaulted and asphyxiated. Hudson was booked into Citrus County jail and is scheduled to be transferred to Miami by July 10, with the trial set to begin in September.