A Florida teenager accused of killing his stepsister aboard a Carnival Cruise ship will remain in the custody of a family member as he awaits trial, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday.
Judge Weighs Detention for Teen Suspect
Timothy Hudson, 16, faces charges for the murder and sexual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, 18. Her body was discovered in a cabin on the Carnival Horizon during a family trip in November. Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile in February, but a federal grand jury indicted him as an adult in April, prompting court proceedings to determine whether he should be jailed before trial.
U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, stating, "If it were a 20-year-old under the exact circumstances I probably would have detained. The presumption would be we were just not going to take that chance. This is a different animal." The judge also considered whether to hold Hudson in Miami-Dade County or transfer him to a jail in Hernando County, closer to his family.
Prosecution Argues for Detention
Prosecutor Alejandra Lopez argued that Hudson's bail should be revoked, citing potential danger to others. "What is needed to prove a danger? A second dead body?" she asked, according to NBC News. Hudson currently resides with his uncle, who has two minors in the home.
Defense Cites Compliance
Defense attorney Evan Kuhl countered that Hudson poses no threat to the public and is not a flight risk. Since his arrest, Hudson has complied with supervised release terms, which restrict him to his uncle's home unless accompanied by his uncle or aunt. He also remains under electronic monitoring.
Details of the Case
In November, Kepner's body was found wrapped in a blanket and hidden under a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson and another teen. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation. Kepner's boyfriend reported that Hudson was "obsessed" with his stepsister. Florida officials allege Hudson sexually assaulted and murdered her.
The judge has not yet issued a final ruling on Hudson's detention status.
