Anna Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse in her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Hudson has waived his appearance at a hearing in Miami federal court. He was indicted as an adult by a federal grand jury in April for the death of 18-year-old Kepner.
Hudson was traveling with Kepner and other family members on the Carnival Horizon in November 2025 when the alleged assault and murder occurred in international waters. Kepner's body was found under a bed in their shared room. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.
Prosecutors are seeking to revoke Hudson's pretrial release. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The case has drawn international attention and speculation on social media. Carnival Cruise Line is cooperating with the FBI investigation.