Teen Sentenced to Jail Pending Trial for Step-Sister’s Murder

A young boy, Timothy Hudson, just 16 years old, has been accused of sexually assaulting and killing his step-sister, Anna Kepner, during a family cruise. Following several months of being out on bail, he has now been sentenced to jail pending his trial.

Recent court documents reveal that Hudson has been taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals and will be held at the Citrus County Jail.

After being free for some time, he has now been ordered to stay in custody until his trial. It’s reported that Hudson will undergo mental health evaluations at the jail and must be transferred to a juvenile facility, specifically the MetroWest Detention Center in Miami-Dade, by July 10.

This case is notable as Hudson is being tried as an adult for charges that include murder and aggravated sexual abuse, with a possible life sentence hanging over him.

Prosecutors had urged for his detention, arguing that the “danger posed by the conduct charged” made it necessary for him to be held. The federal judge managing the case, Edwin G. Torres, agreed, emphasizing that the seriousness of the charges deemed Hudson a risk to both himself and others.

Hudson had been living with his two young cousins, under the watch of a family member, until the court’s recent decision. Earlier, the judge had allowed him to remain at home while discussions were underway regarding housing closer to his family.

Details Surrounding Anna Kepner’s Death

In comments about the case, Judge Torres noted that had the accused been older—like a 20-year-old—he likely would have ordered his immediate detention as well. He referred to Hudson’s situation as a “different animal,” underlining the complexities involved.

He plans to coordinate with U.S. marshals on possibly confining Hudson to a facility in Hernando County, allowing him to be nearer to his family, though ultimately, he chose the Miami-Dade Detention Center, which is quite far from where they live.

Anna Kepner, 18, tragically lost her life during the cruise, allegedly strangled by Hudson in a bar’s hold. Reports suggest that he hid her body under a bed while her younger brother was just a few feet away, unconscious.

It’s also alleged that Hudson harbored an obsession with Anna, a high school senior, and coerced her into accepting sexual advances. Initially charged as a juvenile, he was later charged as an adult with first-degree murder and has entered a plea of not guilty.