Federal Indictment Issued in Cruise Ship Fatality

By Katie Williams

Published on:

Federal Indictment Issued in Cruise Ship Fatality

A federal grand jury has formally indicted 16-year-old Timothy Hudson as an adult in connection with the death of his stepsister, 18-year-old Anna Kepner. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the charges on Monday, April 13, 2026, which include first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

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Background of the Investigation

The charges stem from an incident in November 2025 during a family vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon. The vessel was navigating international waters en route to Miami when the crimes allegedly took place.

Because the incident occurred in international waters, the case fell under federal authority. While Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ruled that he would be tried as an adult.

Legal Status: Hudson now faces federal charges. If convicted of first-degree murder, the statutory maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Remembering Anna Kepner

Anna Kepner, a resident of Titusville, Florida, was in her final year of high school. Her family has shared that she was an ambitious student who had already made plans to enlist in the military following her graduation, which would have taken place next month.