The federal murder trial for Timothy Hudson, who is accused of killing his stepsister Anna Kepner aboard a cruise ship, has been postponed. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom granted an unopposed request from Hudson's defense attorneys to delay the trial, which was originally scheduled for September. The new trial is set to begin in the two-week period starting November 2, 2026.
Hudson, who was 16 at the time of Kepner's death in November 2025, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty.
His attorneys cited a "unique – and very unfortunate – family dynamic" and the need for additional time to complete their investigation as reasons for the continuance. The defense stated that these family circumstances have limited their access to certain relatives and that further investigation is necessary to properly advise Hudson on resolving the charges. The prosecution did not object to the delay.
Judge Bloom ruled that the interests of justice served by the continuance outweighed speedy-trial concerns. A deadline for any plea agreement in the case is set for October 23.
Prosecutors allege that Kepner, an 18-year-old high school senior and cheerleader, was found dead in her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 7, 2025. According to the timeline provided by prosecutors, Kepner left dinner on November 6, stating she felt unwell and returned to her cabin alone. CCTV footage allegedly shows Hudson entering the cabin shortly after. Prosecutors claim Kepner was never seen leaving the cabin again after entering at approximately 7:38 p.m.
Kepner's younger brother reportedly entered the cabin briefly at 7:51 p.m. and told investigators he saw her alive. Prosecutors allege that Hudson and Kepner were alone in the cabin for approximately three hours. Hudson allegedly exited the cabin at 10:13 p.m., and later placed a privacy sign on the door before re-entering.
Further timeline details include Kepner's younger brother returning to the cabin at 11:21 p.m., when he stated he did not see her inside. He reported that at 12:09 a.m. on November 7, Hudson blocked him from entering the cabin, claiming he was changing. The brother reported that the bathroom and closet doors were open and the cabin lights were on during this time.
Prosecutors also allege that Kepner's missing phone was tracked moving along the same path as Hudson's on the morning of November 7. CCTV and router data allegedly placed Hudson and Kepner's phone near the jogging track, smoking area, and later near a trash bin where the phone was discovered. Cabin attendants found Kepner's body between 9:26 a.m. and 9:55 a.m. on November 7, partially hidden under a bed and concealed by a box of life vests.
Federal law generally prevents juveniles from being housed with adults, a factor that has raised questions regarding the accused's pretrial custody status. The charges against Hudson include first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.