Teen Stepbrother Accused in Cruise Ship Killing Skips Court Appearance
The 16-year-old stepbrother charged with the murder of Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner onboard a cruise ship has opted to skip his scheduled court appearance this Wednesday. Timothy Hudson formally waived his right to appear at his arraignment hearing in federal court in Miami, according to reports from Fox 35 Orlando.
Not Guilty Plea Filed by Defense Attorneys
While Hudson will not be present in the courtroom, his legal representatives are set to file a formal not guilty plea on his behalf during the proceedings. The teenager faces severe federal charges, including aggravated sexual abuse and first-degree murder, in connection with Kepner's death in November 2025.
The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was discovered deceased in a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Prosecutors have asserted that Hudson was the sole individual with Kepner at the time of her death, which was determined to be caused by manual asphyxiation.
Charged as an Adult in Federal Court
Despite his age, Timothy Hudson has been charged as an adult under federal law due to the gravity of the allegations. The case has drawn significant attention, with Hudson previously being seen arriving at federal court in February before his identity was publicly confirmed in relation to the murder charges.
This remains a developing news story, and further updates are anticipated as the legal process unfolds. The waiver of appearance marks a procedural step in what is expected to be a complex and closely watched trial.
