VIERA, Fla. (Court TV) — The parents of a teenager charged with sexually abusing and killing his stepsister while on board a cruise ship continue to battle over custody and child support of their younger child.
Timothy Hudson, center, leaves following a hearing on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Timothy Hudson, 16, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, his stepsister. Hudson and Kepner were sharing a room with Kepner’s 14-year-old biological brother when she disappeared while on board the Carnival Horizon in November 2025.
Kepner’s body was found wrapped in a blanket and hidden beneath her bed; investigators said a box of life vests had been placed in front of her body in an attempt to conceal her.
Hudson wasn’t charged immediately, but his mother and stepfather did not allow him to return to their home. He lived with his maternal uncle for several months until he was charged as an adult. At that point, a federal magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody until his trial.
Hudson’s parents, Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Kepner, have been in court several times since the cruise over custody issues related to both the defendant and his younger sister, identified in court documents as B.H. After Timothy Hudson was named as a suspect, his father filed a motion in family court seeking emergency sole custody of 9-year-old B.H., which was denied.
Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Kepner testified at a custody hearing on Dec. 5, 2025. (Court TV)
Now, Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Kepner have filed a joint stipulation addressing child support payments for B.H. The document declares that no further payments will be deducted from Thomas Hudson’s income; rather, Thomas Hudson will pay his ex-wife $1,092.16 a month in child support for B.H.
Both parties are expected to return to family court on Sept. 25 to address outstanding overpayment and credit issues.
Timothy Hudson’s trial, which was initially scheduled to begin in September, was delayed at the defense’s request. A court order dictates that any plea agreement must be entered by Oct. 23. His trial is scheduled to begin in November.
