Judge Reverses Release for Teen in Stepsister's Death

Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, has surrendered to U.S. Marshals after a judge revoked his pretrial release. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres ordered the teen back into custody, citing the prosecution's evidence which suggests he poses a danger to himself and others. The judge noted allegations of forcible rape are "beyond clear and convincing," indicating a level of psychopathy and lack of remorse.

This decision comes after Hudson was initially released in February while prosecuted as a juvenile. Circumstances changed as he was subsequently indicted and arraigned as an adult on charges including murder and aggravated sexual abuse. Prosecutors had initially sought to detain him but were unsuccessful under the Juvenile Detention Act.

Hudson is accused of the November 2025 death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard the Carnival Horizon. Kepner was found dead beneath a bed in their shared cabin; the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation.