Anna Kepner update: Teen charged with killing stepsister remains with family before trial

MIAMI, Fla. – A Florida teen, charged with the murder of his 18-year-old stepsister on a cruise ship, was released into his family’s custody prior to a jury trial set to take place this fall. 

Timothy Hudson, 16, is accused of killing and sexually assaulting Anna Kepner in November of last year while on a cruise.

Who is Timothy Hudson?

The backstory:

Initially, Hudson was arrested and charged as a juvenile and released into the care of his uncle with electronic GPS monitoring since February. Since the case was transferred to adult court, prosecutors have requested that Hudson be held in custody until trial.

Hudson has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Read more: Anna Kepner update: September jury trial date for stepbrother accused of killing teen girl

Timothy Hudson, 16, appears outside federal court in Miami on May 27, 2026. 

What we know:

Following a May 27 court appearance, a federal judge allowed Hudson to remain in the custody of his family. Hudson will continue living with his uncle, FOX 35’s Esther Bower reported. 

The comes after prosecutors argued that Hudson could attempt to flee town and that he poses a danger and threat to society. 

The judge did not decide to detain Hudson immediately, Bower said. The judge asked for a U.S. Marshal to compile a list of places for Hudson to stay – near his family – where he would have the necessary resources. 

Watch: Timothy Hudson leaves with family after court

Teen murder suspect in family custody before trial

Following a May 27 court appearance, a federal judge allowed Timothy Hudson to remain in the custody of his family. Hudson will continue living with his uncle, FOX 35’s Esther Bower reported.  Hudson was seen leaving court with his family and attorneys before getting into a black SUV. 

Timothy Hudson questioned outside court

Hudson was seen leaving court with his family and attorneys before getting into a black SUV. He was not in handcuffs, Bower reported. 

Bower asked Hudson if he killed Anna on the cruise ship. When Hudson didn’t respond, Bower asked him if he was being wrongly accused – if he didn’t kill Anna.

“There’s nothing that we can say right now because it’s still pending,” Hudson’s defense attorney responded.

When asked about the judge’s ruling that Timothy is allowed to return to his family, the attorney said, “We’re not making any more comment.”

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Anna Kepner,18, died on a Carnival Horizon cruise on Nov. 7. The FBI is conducting an investigation into her death. 

How did Anna Kepner die?

The backstory:

Anna Kepner, 18, died on Nov. 7 while on the Carnival Horizon ship, according to court records.

Her body was found under a bed in a cabin she shared with Hudson and another sibling.

Read more: Who is Anna Kepner? 

A medical examiner determined that Kepner died from asphyxiation, according to court documents.

Kepner was a cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville. She was months away from graduating before her death.