Cruise-Ship Murder Case: Teen Surrenders, Faces Adult Charges

Timothy Hudson, 16, surrendered to federal marshals after a judge revoked his pretrial release, now facing first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse as an adult in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon. Kepner’s death, ruled mechanical asphyxia, followed alleged pinning and sexual assault on the ship in November, with the case in federal court because it occurred in international waters. Hudson will be held in a designated juvenile facility while proceedings continue, as prosecutors argue detention is necessary due to safety concerns and potential life imprisonment, while the defense notes he has complied with release conditions.