Step-Grandmother Calls for Charges Against Timothy Hudson’s Father

Sonya Ziske, the step-grandmother of 16-year-old Timothy Hudson, who is charged with sexually assaulting and murdering his step-sister Anna Kepner, is urging authorities to indict Hudson’s father. She blames him for allowing her to drink alcohol and share a room with Hudson during a fatal cruise.

In an interview with CBS News, Ziske expressed her belief that the alleged murder was influenced by “alcohol” and “missed medication,” even though Hudson claims he can’t remember the incident. Instead of focusing solely on her grandson, she wants to take legal action against both Hudson and Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, along with his wife, Shawntel Kepner, suggesting that their parenting was inadequate for a situation like a cruise.

She elaborated on the circumstances, saying, “He wouldn’t give them medication… he’d force three teenagers who didn’t grow up together to drink and lock them in the same room. That’s just a recipe for disaster.”

Anna, who was an 18-year-old high school cheerleader full of life, was found dead under a bed, wrapped in blankets and a life jacket, during a six-day Caribbean cruise in November. Authorities later determined she had been strangled and sexually assaulted. Hudson has faced charges for her murder, initially as a juvenile and now as an adult.

Ziske defended Hudson against claims that he was raised to view Anna merely as a younger sister, suggesting that this characterization doesn’t truly reflect their relationship. Hudson reportedly told family members he does not remember what happened that night but insists they had been drinking. Ziske believes the alcohol and possibly a lack of medication contributed to the tragedy.

“He hasn’t changed anything from all the interviews he’s had,” she stated. “Even if there was some memory there, he wouldn’t be able to say exactly the same thing.” However, Shawntel and Christopher Kepner previously denied allegations of underage drinking during a custody court hearing.

According to their lawyer, “There is videotape that shows there was no alcohol on board.” Amidst these ongoing legal battles, a federal judge has allowed Hudson to stay with his maternal uncle as he awaits trial, even though he has pleaded not guilty.

Ziske argues that the Kepners are unfit parents, especially after the tragic loss of Anna. She believes Shawntel isolated the children from their extended family over the past two years, leaving her unaware of Hudson’s mental state during that time.

As of now, attorneys for Christopher and Shawntel Kepner have not issued statements on the issues raised by Ziske.