Anna Kepner’s stepbrother has emerged into public view for the first time following a tragic incident.
Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, has been thrust into the judicial spotlight three months after being formally accused of involvement in the death of his stepsister aboard a Carnival Cruise Line vessel. On May 27, he made his initial court appearance, as reported by The Associated Press.
Initially arrested and charged as a juvenile in February, Hudson’s case took a significant turn in April. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida decided to transfer his case to adult court, reflecting the severity of the charges he faces.
During the hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors made a strong case for Hudson to remain in custody while awaiting trial. However, Judge Edwin Torres chose not to make an immediate decision, according to the AP.
Judge Torres indicated that he is awaiting input from the U.S. Marshals Service regarding the logistics of Hudson’s detention. The decision at hand is whether Hudson should be held closer to his family in central Florida or in South Florida, where the trial proceedings are set to occur, as per the outlet’s report.
Oxygen has reached out to Hudson’s attorney for comment, but has not yet heard back.
Hudson, who was previously identified by authorities only as T.H., has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
If convicted of the charges against him, Hudson could face a maximum sentence of life prison.
In their April statement, federal prosecutors said that Hudson was aboard the cruise line’s Horizon vessel with Kepner and other family members in November 2025. While traveling across international waters en route to Miami, they alleged that he sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
At the time of her death, Anna—affectionately known to her family as “Anna Banana”—had been a high school senior with plans to join the U.S. Navy after graduation.
“Anna was pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself,” her obituary read in part. “She never had a filter, and that was part of her charm. Whether she was practicing new makeup looks (even if she had nowhere to go), making TikToks in front of the mirror, or blasting a perfectly curated playlist on the boat, Anna lived every day with her whole heart.”
The family added that she had loved her siblings deeply and enjoyed spending time with them.
“She had a big, beautiful heart,” they continued, “often sending random ‘I love you’ messages or little gestures that made someone’s day.”