The investigation into the tragic murder of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon is facing challenges as crucial evidence remains missing. Testimony from FBI Agent Andrew del Valle during a recent court hearing revealed significant gaps in the ongoing inquiry, particularly regarding Anna’s cell phone and Apple Watch. The young FBI agent’s statements provide a troubling glimpse into the events surrounding Anna’s death on November 6, 2025.
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Anna, an enthusiastic high school senior, had always been attached to her mobile device, according to family members. However, when law enforcement began their inquiry, they discovered that her phone was missing. Del Valle testified that Anna’s stepbrother, 16-year-old Timothy Hudson, is accused of trying to destroy crucial evidence, including Anna’s cell phone, which he believed he had disposed of.
Initial attempts to locate the phone were unsuccessful. FBI agents boarded the Horizon on November 8 in Miami, launching an intensive search. Eventually, investigators turned to the cruise ship’s lost and found, where they were fortunate to retrieve Anna’s damaged cell phone from a trash can. Del Valle reported that the device appeared to be severely broken, with indications of having been smashed.
Despite the deterioration of the phone, forensic analysis was conducted. The FBI successfully downloaded data from the device and traced its movements on the ship shortly after Anna’s death. Del Valle testified that, within a 20-minute time frame on the morning following her death, the phone connected to four different network routers. Critically, surveillance footage confirmed that Timothy was present in each of those locations, including a brief 22 seconds spent next to the trash can from where the phone was eventually recovered.
However, the investigation has not yet revealed Anna’s Apple Watch, which remains unaccounted for. Del Valle noted that the watch ceased to report Anna’s vital signs sometime between 7:50 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the evening of November 6. The absence of this device has left further questions regarding the circumstances of her tragic demise.
Timothy Hudson, who is the son of Shauntel Hudson and stepson of Christopher Kepner, was first taken into custody in February. At that time, he was charged as a minor with murder and aggravated sexual abuse. However, following a grand jury indictment, these charges were refiled, allowing him to be prosecuted as an adult. Should he be found guilty of both accusations, he faces the prospect of two life sentences.
The grand jury’s indictment explicitly states that Timothy “knowingly and unlawfully perpetrated” the premeditated killing of Anna “with malice aforethought” during the commission of aggravated sexual abuse. His family dynamics add a layer of complexity to the case, further heightening public interest and scrutiny.
Since his arraignment, Timothy has been placed under the care of a maternal uncle. Following a detention hearing on May 27, a judge denied a prosecution request to place him in custody, allowing him to remain with his relative instead. This decision may have implications for the handling of the case moving forward, both in terms of the psychological and social support he receives and the legal approach in dealing with the charges he faces.
With the ongoing investigation still grappling with missing evidence, the case of Anna Kepner continues to unfold. The spotlight remains on the details that may soon emerge, as well as the implications they hold for both Timothy Hudson and the family of Anna. The community now watches closely as both the legal proceedings and continued investigation seek to establish clarity in this deeply distressing situation.