A federal magistrate judge has revoked the pretrial release of Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old accused of killing his stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship last year. Hudson surrendered to U.S. Marshals on Monday, June 15, 2026, following the court order that cited concerns about public safety and the severity of the charges against him.
Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres issued the order revoking Hudson's release just days after federal prosecutors filed a motion arguing the teenager should no longer remain free while awaiting trial. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Judge Torres determined that Hudson poses a danger to both himself and others based on the government's evidence in the case.
In his written order, Judge Torres stated that the prosecution's case alleging forcible rape is "beyond clear and convincing" and noted that the allegations suggest "a level of psychopathy and lack of remorse" that raises concerns Hudson could "snap at any time." The language reflects the court's assessment of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors in their detention motion.
The decision marks a significant shift in the case's trajectory. Hudson was initially released in February 2026 when he was being prosecuted as a juvenile under the Juvenile Detention Act, which generally favors releasing minors while their cases proceed through the court system. However, Judge Torres noted that circumstances have changed substantially since that initial release decision.
Hudson has since been indicted and arraigned as an adult on charges including murder and aggravated sexual abuse. Federal prosecutors had previously sought to keep Hudson detained following his arrest but were unsuccessful under juvenile detention standards. The transition to adult prosecution has altered the legal framework governing his pretrial detention.
The charges stem from the November 2025 death of Anna Kepner, Hudson's 18-year-old stepsister, aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Court records indicate that Kepner was last seen returning to the cabin she shared with Hudson and her younger half-brother. She was discovered dead beneath a bed the following day.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner ruled Kepner's death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation. The medical examiner's determination has been central to the prosecution's case as it moves forward in federal court.
Hudson now remains in federal custody as he awaits trial on the adult charges. The case continues to draw attention due to the unusual circumstances of the alleged crime occurring in the maritime jurisdiction aboard a cruise ship, which places the matter under federal authority rather than state prosecution.