Florida Judge Reverses Release, Orders Teen Held Until Stepsister Murder Trial
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres reversed an earlier release order and directed that Timothy Hudson, 16, remain in custody until his September trial on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges.
Nbc NewsA federal judge in Florida ordered Timothy Hudson, 16, to remain in custody until his trial on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. S. District Judge Edwin Torres issued the June 10, 2026, order after reviewing the November 7, 2025, killing of Anna Kepner, 18, aboard a cruise ship.
The ruling reverses an earlier decision that had allowed Hudson to live with an uncle while awaiting trial. ” Hudson was indicted as an adult earlier in 2026 and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence.
Kepner’s body was found in the room she shared with Hudson. She was discovered under the bed, wrapped in a blanket and concealed by life vests. The medical examiner concluded she had been sexually assaulted and asphyxiated.
Kepner’s father and Hudson’s mother married in December 2024. Hudson is accused of killing his stepsister 11 months later during a family cruise. Kepner was a high school senior and cheerleader who had planned to attend the University of Georgia.
Hudson was booked into Citrus County jail and has until July 10, 2026, to be transferred to Miami. His trial is scheduled to begin in September 2026. Hudson’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
