Carnival Horizon murder case: Florida teen charged over stepsister’s death at sea

US prosecutors in Florida say a 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister aboard Carnival Horizon. Court records unsealed in Miami outline allegations after the victim was found concealed under a bed. The US Justice Department said the teenager will be prosecuted as an adult.

US federal prosecutors charged 16-year-old Timothy Hudson with murder and aggravated sexual abuse. The case relates to the death of 18-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. The US Justice Department disclosed the charges on Monday after a court seal was lifted on Friday.

Anna Kepner travelled with family on the ship in November. Before the vessel was due back in Florida, Anna Kepner’s body was found hidden under a bed. The room was shared with two other teenagers, including the younger stepbrother, according to newly released court records.

Carnival Horizon murder charge and case timeline

Hudson was first charged in February and later indicted on March 10. Details stayed limited until the seal was removed weeks later. US District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami said Hudson would face prosecution as an adult. The decision followed a request from the government.

Anna Kepner died on November 6, and officials ruled the cause as mechanical asphyxia. It describes a death where force or an object stops breathing. The alleged crimes happened aboard a vessel in international waters. A federal grand jury returned an indictment, prosecutors said.

Carnival Horizon murder charge and custody dispute

Hudson pleaded not guilty when first charged in February. The early process was closed because of Hudson’s age, and documents stayed sealed. Hudson later appeared at the courthouse wearing a ball cap. Hudson also wore a hoodie pulled tight around the face.

Hudson has stayed out of custody since the February arrest. Hudson has lived under the care of an uncle. A judge on February 6 ordered Hudson to wear an electronic tether. Newly unsealed records show the order later allowed work with the father at a landscaping business.

Prosecutors opposed release and cited concerns about dangerousness. On Monday, prosecutors asked a judge to reconsider the release order. The request followed the decision to charge Hudson as an adult. Defence lawyers were given one week to file a response, court papers said.

Carnival Horizon murder charge and family statements

Christopher Kepner issued a statement after the case details became public. The statement said, "At the same time, we are deeply troubled that, despite the seriousness of the charges, he has not been taken into custody.... The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family,\" Kepner said.

US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones spoke in a written statement. Jason Reding Quiñones said, \"Our hearts go out to the victims family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.\"

Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. The town is about 40 miles, or 65 km, east of Orlando. At a memorial service in November, relatives asked attendees to wear bright colours. The request was made instead of black.

Teens are seldom tried in federal court, and the case drew attention after records were opened. Messages sent by email and voicemail to Hudson’s attorneys were not returned on Monday. Hudson remained with an uncle under court limits as proceedings continued in Miami federal court.

With inputs from PTI