Trial Set for Teen Accused in Stepsister's Death on Carnival Cruise Ship

A 16-year-old charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister aboard a Carnival Cruise ship is scheduled to stand trial on June 1 in Miami, according to an order issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom.

Federal court records show that Timothy Hudson, who was initially charged as a juvenile, will be tried as an adult. He entered a written plea of not guilty last week. Prosecuting minors in federal court is uncommon, authorities noted.

The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was found dead on November 6 aboard the Carnival Horizon while traveling with her family, including Hudson. A criminal complaint states that her body was discovered concealed under a bed in a cabin she shared with Hudson and another teenager. The cause of death was determined to be mechanical asphyxia, according to official findings.

Kepner's father, Christopher Kepner, released a statement expressing the family's trust in the justice system to handle the case with care and integrity. The case remains pending as Hudson awaits trial in federal court.