Teen charged with killing stepsister on Carnival Cruise ship remains free
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge in Miami allowed 16-year-old Timothy Hudson, charged with sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship, to remain free temporarily as detention logistics are reviewed.
- Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile and placed under electronic monitoring with family supervision, but prosecutors requested custody after the case was moved to adult court.
- The judge postponed a final decision to consult with the U.S. Marshals Service about detaining Hudson closer to his family in central Florida rather than near the trial location in South Florida.
- Hudson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse; the victim, Anna Kepner, was found dead on the cruise ship from mechanical asphyxia.
- Kepner’s family expressed trust in the justice system amid their grief, and her memorial service celebrated her life with attendees encouraged to wear bright colors.