Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find upsetting
Anna Kepner’s relatives have spoken out after the teenager accused of killing her was ordered back into custody ahead of trial.
Authorities say 18-year-old Kepner was killed during a family trip aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025. Her body was found in her cabin, and Timothy Hudson, her 16-year-old stepbrother, was later charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. Federal prosecutors have said Kepner died from mechanical asphyxia, and the case was moved from juvenile proceedings into adult court in April 2026 after a federal grand jury indictment.
Hudson had initially been allowed to remain free under strict conditions, including living with an uncle and electronic monitoring, while the case was still being handled as a juvenile matter. But after prosecutors argued that the adult charges changed the detention analysis, a federal judge revoked his pretrial release and ordered him into custody on June 15, 2026, ahead of his upcoming trial.
Kepner’s father, Christopher Kepner, and his wife, Shauntel Kepner, who is also Hudson’s mother, said the ruling brought them some relief.
In a statement given to ABC News, the couple thanked federal authorities involved in the case.
“We would like to thank the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in helping place the accused murderer of Anna Marie Kepner behind bars until trial,” they began their statement to ABC News.
The family also said it had been difficult knowing Hudson remained free for as long as he did.
“We are now at peace knowing that he will not be able to harm anyone else while awaiting trial.”
They added that Anna’s birthday fell last weekend and said they are continuing to remember and celebrate her life.
“We remain hopeful for a swift conclusion to this process and for justice to be served,” they concluded the emotional statement.
The 2025 cruise involved Christopher and Shauntel, along with another of Shauntel’s children. Christopher and Shauntel had married in 2024, a year before the voyage took place.
Before being jailed pending trial, Hudson had been allowed to stay with his uncle because of his age. Prosecutors later told the court they had obtained newly disclosed information that supported their push to detain him, and a magistrate judge ultimately agreed that release conditions were no longer sufficient.
Reports say Kepner’s body was discovered concealed beneath a bed. The cause of death has been described as mechanical asphyxiation, a form of asphyxia caused when a person’s airway is blocked or breathing is otherwise prevented by physical force or an object.
If Hudson is found guilty of murder, he could face a life sentence. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges, and the case is now moving toward a federal trial later this year.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].