Cruise Ship Murder: Stepbrother Faces Trial

The death of Anna Kepner cast a shadow over the Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon as it returned to Miami on November 8, 2022. FBI agents boarded the ship to investigate, quickly focusing on Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who shared a cabin with her. Surveillance footage showed Timothy entering and leaving their shared cabin multiple times over 16 hours, while Anna was never seen again. A housekeeper discovered Anna's body on November 7, 2022, concealed under a bed. During the investigation, FBI agents collected DNA samples from Timothy and another minor male who had interacted with Anna. Lab results excluded the second minor, pointing overwhelmingly to Anna and Timothy as the DNA contributors. Following this crucial evidence, Timothy was arrested in early February 2026 and charged as a minor. A grand jury later indicted him as an adult on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse, alleging premeditated killing during an act of aggravated sexual abuse. Timothy now faces the possibility of two life sentences. His trial is scheduled to begin in September 2026.