Anna Kepner’s stepbrother blames ‘very unfortunate’ family dynamic to push murder trial as plea deadline looms
Content warning: This article includes descriptions of sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.
Defense lawyers for Timothy Hudson, the teen charged in the killing of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, cited a "unique – and very unfortunate – family dynamic" as they sought more time before his federal murder trial.
U.S.
District Judge Beth Bloom granted Hudson’s unopposed request to continue the trial, moving it from September to the two-week period beginning Nov.
2, 2026.
DNA FROM MYSTERY JUVENILE MALE RAISES QUESTIONS IN CARNIVAL CRUISE MURDER CASE AGAINST TEEN STEPBROTHER Hudson, who was 16 at the time of Kepner's death in November 2025, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the killing of his stepsister, an 18-year-old Titusville high school senior and cheerleader who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
He has pleaded not guilty.
In an Aug.
24 motion, Hudson’s attorneys said they need additional time to complete their investigation of issues they said could affect the resolution of the case.
PROSECUTORS WARN ANNA KEPNER’S STEPBROTHER SHOULDN’T ROAM FREE AFTER ALLEGED CRUISE SHIP MURDER The defense cited the seriousness of the allegations, Hudson’s status as a juvenile and family circumstances that have limited the lawyers’ access to certain relatives.
His attorneys said they were "purposefully being vague" because of intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.
"Although substantial progress has been made, more still needs to be done," the filing states.
The lawyers said the additional time would allow them to complete their investigation and properly advise Hudson about "the options available to him to resolve the pending charges." ANNA KEPNER’S STEPBROTHER CHARGED AS ADULT WITH MURDER, SEXUAL ABUSE IN FLORIDA TEEN’S CRUISE SHIP DEATH The prosecution did not oppose the request.
Bloom wrote that the interests of justice served by the continuance outweighed speedy-trial concerns.
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