Federal Judge Allows Florida Teen to Remain Free Ahead of Trial

A federal judge on Wednesday declined to jail a 16-year-old Florida boy charged with killing and sexually assaulting his stepsister on a cruise ship. The teenager will stay with a family member under electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres made the decision after the defendant was indicted as an adult in April.

The ruling keeps Timothy Hudson, 16, in the custody of an uncle in Hernando County.

Kepner died on Nov. 7, 2025, aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Her body was found wrapped in a blanket under a bed in the room she shared with Hudson. The Miami-Dade medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation. Hudson was arrested while the ship was in international waters and initially charged as a juvenile.

He has lived with his uncle since his release and has been allowed to leave the home only with an uncle or aunt.

Government lawyer Alejandra Lopez argued Hudson poses a danger to the community, noting two minors live in the uncle’s home. She said it took months to gather evidence before charging Hudson. Public defender Evan Kuhl countered that Hudson has followed release conditions for several months without incident and is neither a danger nor a flight risk.

Torres said he would consider options for detention closer to Hudson’s family before ordering jail. Hudson’s trial could begin in September, Lopez said.