Anna Kepner’s suspected cruise ship killer carried out ‘barbaric, intentional, thoughtful act’: prosecutors Prosecutors allege that 18-year-old Anna Kepner was sexually assaulted and then intentionally strangled to death by her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, in their cruise ship cabin. Evidence presented includes DNA found consistent with Hudson and the victim’s body being hidden after the assault and strangulation. The teen suspect was released on bond with strict conditions pending his trial.

• Prosecutors described the strangulation of 18-year-old Anna Kepner as a “barbaric, intentional, thoughtful act.”
• The victim’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, is accused of killing Kepner in their Carnival Horizon cabin.
• Kepner was allegedly sexually assaulted and then strangled to death by mechanical asphyxiation.
• DNA evidence from Kepner’s body showed strong support for Hudson as the male DNA contributor, consistent with sexual assault.
• Kepner’s body was found hidden under a bed the next morning, and her phone was later found smashed in a trash bin.
• Hudson was released on bond with GPS monitoring, home detention, and other restrictions pending trial.