Content warning: This article discusses sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers.
Federal prosecutors recently filed new evidence in the case involving Timothy Hudson, who faces charges of sexually assaulting and murdering his sister-in-law, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
On June 8, authorities in Miami alerted the court about “newly disclosed supplemental information” that could help their push to revoke Hudson’s release, referred to in formal documents as TH.
This filing comes as Hudson had been allowed to remain out of custody until his murder trial set for September 2026. Back in April, a federal grand jury indicted him as an adult, leading to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse after Kepner was discovered dead during a cruise to Miami in November 2025.
Prosecutors noted that the sealed filing includes details relating to examinations or assessments conducted, urging the court to consider this in their attempt to retract the suspect’s release.
However, the specifics of the evidence remain unclear since the filing was sealed, leaving questions about the nature of these tests and their findings.
This new snippet of evidence was a part of the government’s ongoing motion under the Bail Reform Act to reassess and potentially revoke Hudson’s release.
Initially charged as a juvenile, Hudson was living with an uncle due to his age. Yet, after being indicted as an adult, the possibility of pre-trial detention was raised.
Following a May 27 ruling, a judge allowed the young defendant to stay free, albeit under certain conditions.
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres remarked, “If it were a 20-year-old boy in these exact circumstances, we probably would have taken him into custody,” hinting at a different legal standpoint regarding age.
Kepner’s parents have voiced their frustration that Hudson remains free as they await trial. Christopher Kepner expressed their anger, stating, “We’re upset he’s not jailed yet. It’s been six months—he should have been arrested already. Now he can do whatever he wants.” This sentiment resonates, of course, with their struggle to cope with the loss.
If found guilty, Hudson could face life behind bars. Christopher even mentioned a desire to confront him, suggesting, “He doesn’t need to be around normal society, normal kids and women.”
Timeline of the night of the alleged murder:
November 6, 2025, Dinner: Anna Kepner reportedly felt unwell, returning to her cabin alone after dinner, mentioning discomfort from her braces.
7:35pm: Security cameras captured Hudson entering the cabin.
7:38pm: Kepner entered the same cabin but was not seen leaving again.
7:51pm: Her younger brother briefly entered and claimed to have seen her alive.
From 7:51pm to 10:13pm: The two were left alone in the cabin.
10:13pm: Hudson exited the cabin and appeared to check the hallway.
10:53pm: Allegedly, he placed a privacy sign on the door before re-entering.
11:21pm: Kepner’s younger brother returned again but noted her absence.
12:09am: Hudson blocked his entry into the cabin, claiming he was changing.
Morning of November 7th: Kepner’s missing cell phone was tracked, indicated movement along the same route as Hudson.
11:24am: A flight attendant discovered Kepner’s body concealed under bedding with a life jacket box positioned near it.
