ANNA KEPNER CASE: STEPBROTHER’S MURDER TRIAL DELAYED AFTER DEFENSE FACES FAMILY ACCESS ISSUES

MIAMI, Fla. — The federal murder trial of 16-year-old Timothy Hudson, the stepbrother accused in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a cruise ship, has been delayed after his defense attorneys said they were struggling to interview certain members of his family.

Hudson’s trial had been scheduled to begin September 8, 2026. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom has now moved the trial to November 2, giving the defense additional time to complete its investigation.

DEFENSE POINTS TO “UNIQUE” FAMILY DYNAMICS

In a motion seeking the delay, Hudson’s attorneys said they had been unable to obtain the level of access to certain family members necessary to investigate evidence that could become important if Hudson is convicted.

The defense described the situation as a “unique — and very unfortunate — family dynamic” resulting from the allegations.

The relatives were not identified in the court filing. Prosecutors did not oppose the request, and Judge Bloom approved the continuance.

WHY THE FAMILY BACKGROUND MATTERS

Because Hudson was 16 at the time of the alleged offense but is being prosecuted as an adult, his age could become significant if he is convicted.

His attorneys say he would be entitled to a Miller hearing before sentencing. Such a hearing allows a defense to present mitigating evidence concerning a juvenile defendant’s maturity, upbringing, family circumstances and potential for rehabilitation.

The defense therefore wants more time to investigate Hudson’s background and obtain information from family members who could potentially provide that evidence.

ANNA WAS FOUND DEAD ABOARD A CRUISE SHIP

Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high school senior from Titusville, Florida, died aboard Carnival Horizon in November 2025 while the ship was traveling toward Miami.

According to court filings, Anna was sharing a cabin with Hudson and another younger sibling. She was last seen alive on the evening of November 6.

Her body was discovered beneath a bed the following day.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined that her cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation and ruled the death a homicide.

HUDSON HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY

Hudson has been charged as an adult with murder and aggravated sexual abuse and has pleaded not guilty.

His case was initially handled through the juvenile system, but a federal grand jury later indicted him as an adult. His pretrial release was subsequently revoked after the adult indictment.

The prosecution alleges that Hudson sexually assaulted and killed his stepsister inside their cruise-ship cabin. Those allegations remain unproven in court, and Hudson is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted.

NEW TRIAL DATE SET FOR NOVEMBER

The court has set October 23 as the deadline for any potential plea agreement.

A calendar hearing is scheduled for October 27, followed by jury selection and the beginning of the trial on November 2 in federal court in Miami. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.

For Anna’s family, the delay means waiting even longer for the case to reach trial.

For the defense, however, the additional time could be critical as attorneys attempt to investigate Hudson’s background and prepare for a case that could ultimately carry a life sentence.

The trial has been pushed back again — but the delay may give both sides more time to prepare for one of the most closely watched Florida cases of 2026.