Teen Accused in Cruise Ship Murder Considers Plea Deal
Timothy Hudson's trial has been postponed as he weighs an offer in the alleged sexual assault and strangulation of his stepsister, Anna Kepner.
The trial for Timothy Hudson, 16, who stands accused of sexually assaulting and strangling his 18-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner on a Caribbean cruise, has been postponed again as he considers a plea deal.
Hudson's legal team informed a Miami judge in an Oct. 13 letter that they were seeking to delay the trial while addressing an outstanding issue crucial to deciding whether Hudson will accept a plea or proceed to a jury trial. "Although Hudson’s attorneys have made progress towards attaining their goals, one pending issue still needs to be addressed before a final decision can be made concerning whether T.H. should plea or proceed to trial," the letter stated.
The exact nature of this pending issue was not specified in court documents. Prosecutors have acknowledged awareness of the issue and agreed to the postponement. Hudson, though tried as an adult, is referred to by his initials in court filings due to his age.
Federal Judge Beth Bloom approved the request to reschedule the trial, which was initially set for November 2, to January 25. This marks the third postponement of the proceedings. Judge Bloom also set a deadline of January 15 for any potential plea agreement to be entered.
If convicted of murder, Hudson faces a potential life sentence. However, accepting a plea deal could result in a significantly lighter sentence.
Hypothetically, Kepner's body was discovered by a maid on November 7, 2025, in the cabin she shared with Hudson and her younger brother aboard the Carnival Horizon. Prosecutors allege that Hudson, who was reportedly fixated on Kepner, used a chokehold to kill her while her 13-year-old brother slept nearby.
Mixed with her academic achievements, Kepner was reportedly on track to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville and had aspirations of joining the military, according to her family.
Representatives from the Miami US Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the case. Hudson's attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment.