Teen Accused in Cruise Ship Murder Mulls Plea Deal, Potential 20-Year Sentence

Anna Kepner's teenage stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, is considering a plea deal that could result in a 20-year prison sentence for his alleged role in her murder aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Hudson, who was 16 at the time of the incident, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. His federal trial was scheduled to begin next month.

According to court documents, Hudson's lawyers have requested additional time to explore a plea agreement. This development suggests a potential resolution to the case before the revised January trial date. David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, told the Daily Mail that such requests typically indicate that parties are close to a deal.

If Hudson pleads guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, federal sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term between 24 and 30 years, plus supervised release. This could be reduced by up to 15% for good behavior, and time already served would be deducted. With these considerations, he could potentially serve as little as 20 years and one month, allowing for his release in his 30s. In contrast, a conviction after trial could lead to a life sentence.

Anna Kepner, 18, was found raped and strangled in the cruise ship cabin she shared with Hudson and her 14-year-old half-brother on November 7, 2025, while the Carnival Horizon was en route from Mexico to Miami. Prosecutors allege that Anna was choked with such force that her eardrum burst, and semen found at the scene has been linked to Timothy Hudson.

Timothy Hudson, now 17, has until January 15 to formally enter a plea. He is currently being held at a federal detention center in Miami. The potential plea deal could spare Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, and stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, the emotional distress of a trial involving graphic details of their daughter's death.

Navigating the federal justice system for juvenile defendants presents unique challenges, according to Weinstein. He noted that federal facilities equipped to house individuals under 21 while providing necessary mental health treatment are limited, which could be a point of negotiation in plea discussions.

Anna was on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her family when the incident occurred. Surveillance footage indicated she entered the cabin on November 6 and did not exit. Timothy Hudson was seen leaving the room later that evening, and Anna's phone was later recovered from a trash bag. Her body was discovered the following morning by family members when she failed to appear for breakfast. The FBI initiated a murder investigation upon the ship's return to Florida. Hudson was initially charged under the Juvenile Delinquency Act but later agreed to be tried as an adult.