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Titusville Teen Charged as Adult in Killing of Stepsister on Cruise Ship

By  //  April 13, 2026

Timothy Hudson to be tried as an adult for Kepner’s murder

A 16-year-old from Titusville has been indicted as an adult by a federal grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister aboard a cruise ship, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A 16-year-old from Titusville has been indicted as an adult by a federal grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister aboard a cruise ship, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors identified the defendant as Timothy Hudson, who is accused in the death of Anna Kepner. According to court records, the incident occurred on or about Nov. 6-7, 2025, while the family was traveling aboard the Carnival Cruise Line vessel Horizon in international waters en route to Miami.

Investigators allege that during the voyage, Hudson sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled the cause of death as mechanical asphyxiation.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “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.”

Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile by information on Feb. 2. The case remained sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.

If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

The case was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Field Office. Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles said the FBI is leading the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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