US News
Federal judge delays cruise ship murder trial for teen accused of killing stepsister
The federal trial for Timothy Hudson was postponed to November after defense attorneys requested more time due to investigation needs and family dynamics.
The short version
- U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom granted an unopposed defense motion to delay the federal murder trial of 16-year-old Timothy Hudson from September to November 2, 2026.
- Hudson is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the November 2025 death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival Cruise ship.
- Defense lawyers cited the need for further investigation and a complicated family dynamic that has restricted their access to certain relatives.
- The court set an October 23 deadline for any plea agreements ahead of the scheduled trial in Miami.
Key facts
- U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom pushed the start of Timothy Hudson's federal trial to a two-week period beginning Nov. 2, 2026.[Fox News]
- Hudson was 16 at the time of the incident and has pleaded not guilty to adult charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.[Fox News]
- The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was found dead inside a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025.[Fox News]
- Defense attorneys cited high media attention, Hudson's status as a minor, and family circumstances limiting access to relatives as reasons for requesting more time.[Fox News]
- Federal prosecutors did not oppose the defense's request to postpone the trial.[Fox News]
- The court scheduled the plea agreement deadline for Oct. 23, 2026, followed by a calendar call on Oct. 27.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether the parties will reach a plea deal before the October 23 deadline, as defense counsel stated they were not in a position to comment.[Fox News]