Murder trial of Anna Kepner's stepbrother delayed again
The federal murder trial of Anna Kepner's stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, has been delayed to November 2, 2026, after his defense team said certain family members have blocked access needed to finish investigating the Carnival Horizon killing, marking the second postponement in the federal case. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom granted the unopposed continuance in the closely watched murder trial Anna Kepners family has followed since November 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The jury trial moves from September 8 to Nov. 2, 2026 — the second postponement in the case.
- Defense attorneys cite Hudson's juvenile status, the severity of the charges, and a fractured family dynamic limiting interviews.
- Hudson, 16, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse; he has pleaded not guilty.
- A plea agreement deadline is set for Oct. 23, with a calendar call Oct. 27 at the Miami federal courthouse.
- Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead in a shared cruise cabin on Nov. 7, 2025.
Why Was Timothy Hudson's Murder Trial Delayed Again?
In an Aug. 24 motion, Assistant Federal Public Defender Hector Dopico asked U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom for more time to complete an investigation into issues that could affect how the case is resolved. Bloom granted the request, pushing the trial into the two-week window beginning Nov. 2, 2026.
The delay marks the second shift in the schedule. The case was initially set for June 1, then moved to Sept. 8 before landing on the November date. Prosecutors did not oppose the latest continuance, and Bloom ruled that the interests of justice outweighed speedy-trial concerns.
What Did the Defense Say About Family Members?
Dopico wrote that defense counsel do not have the type of access to certain family members that would facilitate their investigation. He described a unique and very unfortunate family dynamic that has resulted from the allegations, and said he was 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. Dopico said the extra time would let the team finish its work and properly advise Hudson about the options available to resolve the pending charges.
Who Is Anna Kepner and What Happened on the Carnival Horizon?
Anna Kepner was an 18-year-old senior and cheerleader at Titusville High School in Florida. She was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 7, 2025, during a family vacation. Her body was discovered wrapped in bedding and hidden under a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson and her 14-year-old half-brother.
Hudson, who was 16 at the time, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with her death. He has entered a not-guilty plea. If convicted on both counts, he faces the possibility of two life sentences. For broader coverage of similar cases, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries hub.
When Will the Trial Start Now?
According to court deadlines, any plea agreement must be filed by Oct. 23, 2026. A calendar call is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m., and the jury trial is set to begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 2 at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami. Hudson's attorney told reporters the defense was not yet in a position to comment on a potential plea deal; the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Florida declined to comment.
People.com reported the latest delay after court filings showed family access issues had stalled the defense investigation into Anna Kepner's death.