A teenager accused of sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister aboard a Carnival Cruise ship is scheduled to stand trial in just over a month, according to a federal judge's order issued this week.
Trial Date Set for June
Timothy Hudson, aged 16, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami set the trial to commence on June 1. The order was released on Monday, confirming the timeline for the high-profile case.
From Juvenile to Adult Court
Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile, but the case was subsequently transferred to adult court. He entered a written plea of not guilty last week. It is uncommon for minors to be prosecuted in federal court, highlighting the severity of the allegations.
The victim, Anna Kepner, was traveling with her family, including Hudson, on the Carnival Horizon in November. As the ship was preparing to return to Florida, her body was discovered concealed under a bed in a cabin she shared with Hudson and another teenager, according to a criminal complaint.
Cause of Death
The medical examiner determined that Kepner died on November 6 due to mechanical asphyxia, a condition where an object or physical force prevents breathing.
Family Statement
Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, released a statement expressing the family's reliance on the justice system. "The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family," he said. "We place our trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity."
Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of Orlando. At her memorial service in November, family members encouraged attendees to wear bright colors instead of traditional black "in honor of Anna's bright and beautiful soul."
