The family of Anna Kepner has expressed a renewed sense of peace following a judge’s decision to revoke the pretrial release of her stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who is facing charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse. This legal development comes shortly after what would have been Anna’s 19th birthday, a poignant reminder for her family as they continue to mourn her loss.
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Hudson, who surrendered to the U.S. Marshal in Tampa on June 15, was previously released on conditions pending his trial. The revocation of his pretrial release has been welcomed by Anna’s family, who conveyed their relief in a statement released shortly after Hudson’s detention. They thanked the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their role in ensuring that Hudson would remain in custody as he awaits trial.
In their statement, Anna’s family reflected on the pain of knowing Hudson had been free for a time before his capture. “We are now at peace knowing that he will not be able to harm anyone else while awaiting trial,” they wrote, underscoring their desire for security amid the ongoing legal process.
The family’s public statement also served to honour Anna’s memory, as they recognised her birthday with a celebration of her life. “While birthdays are never the same without her, we continue to honour her memory and cherish the love and joy she brought to our lives,” they shared.
The matter has gained significant media attention, particularly due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Anna’s death. Authorities reported that Anna was sexually assaulted and subsequently asphyxiated aboard a Carnival Cruise in November 2025, an event that has left a lasting mark on her family and the broader community.
Timothy Hudson, the accused, is the son of Shauntel Kepner, who is married to Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner. Following Anna’s death, Shauntel sent her 16-year-old son to live with her brother and his family as part of the family’s response to the tragedy.
Initially charged as a minor, Hudson’s case has since been elevated to adult court, which poses a potential life sentence if he is convicted of the murder charge. To date, he has entered a plea of not guilty to both the murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, Anna’s family is hopeful for a swift resolution to the case. They remain firm in their pursuit of justice for Anna, with hopes that the trial will bring clarity and closure to their family.
In their statement, the family also called for continued support for victims of sexual assault. They noted resources available for those in need, stressing the importance of reaching out to help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
The impending trial is expected to attract significant attention as the community seeks answers in this tragic case, while Anna’s family endures the difficult journey toward healing.