By all accounts, Anna Kepner was a bright high school senior who aspired to serve her community and country. However, the 18-year-old’s life was horrifically cut short when she was apparently strangled during a vacation at sea.
More shocking is that prosecutors allege the killer was from Kepner’s own family. Her stepbrother Timothy Hudson, 16, is currently awaiting federal trial as an adult for her killing. He is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, but has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing aboard the Carnival Horizon ship.
Here is everything we know about Kepner and her family, the circumstances surrounding her death, and what to expect once Hudson’s trial begins.
Who Was Anna Kepner?
Anna Marie Kepner was born June 13, 2007, according to her obituary. Her father was Christopher Kepner and her mother was Heather Wright. She also had six siblings and lived in Titusville, Florida.
Kepner, known by her nickname “Anna Banana,” started competing in gymnastics at age 2 and became a high school cheerleader. A college sports fan, she dreamed of cheering at the University of Georgia. Anna also had plans to join the U.S. Navy and aspired to become a K-9 police officer.
“Anna was pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself. She never had a filter, and that was part of her charm,” her obituary reads.
In May 2026, Kepner’s father, Christopher, and stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, attended Anna’s graduation ceremony at Temple Christian School to accept her diploma after her death.
In the meantime, prosecutors are hoping to enact justice for Anna’s murder during a family vacation.
What Happened During Anna Kepner’s Murder?
On November 2, 2025, Kepner boarded the Carnival Horizon cruise ship for a vacation with multiple family members, including her father, stepmother, 16-year-old stepbrother Timothy Hudson, and another stepsibling. Because of their similar ages, Anna and Timothy shared a cabin for the trip.
However, the six-day cruise turned deadly when, on the morning of November 7, a room attendant found Kepner’s body under a bed and concealed by life vests. She was wrapped in a blanket and bruised, according to NBC News.
According to a death certificate, Kepner’s cause of death was ruled as mechanical asphyxia—meaning an object or physical force stopped her from breathing. Her death was ruled a homicide the same month.
Kepner’s underwear was found twisted and partially inserted into her body and the DNA of another person was also discovered—suggesting she was sexually assaulted, according to News 6.
The ship continued toward its destination, docking in Miami on November 8. The burning question remained: Who may have killed one of its young passengers?
Why Was Timothy Hudson Arrested in Anna Kepner’s Death?
Hudson, Kepner’s stepbrother, was arrested and initially charged as a juvenile on February 2, but a month later, a federal grand jury indicted him as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. He was identified only by his initials, T.H.
The case remained sealed until April 13.
Per CCTV footage from the ship, Kepner entered her room at 7:38 p.m. on November 6—the last time she was seen alive. Over the following four hours, Hudson entered and left the room at least three different times. In later footage from the next morning after Kepner’s body was discovered, Hudson is seen walking past without acknowledging people inside the cabin, according to Fox 35.
According to court notes from a February bond hearing, prosecutors allege Hudson walked around the ship, smoked on a deck, and eventually destroyed Kepner’s cell phone the morning her body was discovered.
Hudson denies involvement in Kepner’s death and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In text messages exchanged November 9 between Shauntel Kepner—Hudson’s mother—and her ex-husband Thomas Hudson, Shauntel revealed their son kept “repeating over and over he can’t remember anything” from the night of Anna’s death.
When Is Timothy Hudson’s Trial?
The criminal trial for Hudson is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, according to Fox 35. The alleged crime occurred in international waters, meaning the case is under federal jurisdiction.
Because he was initially arrested and charged as a juvenile, Hudson has been free and allowed to live with an uncle. However, his federal grand jury indictment in April raised the possibility he could be jailed as he awaits trial. On May 27, U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres allowed Hudson to temporarily remain free under electronic supervision—citing that detention in Miami-Dade County would make it difficult for family members from Hernando County near Tampa to visit him.
Prosecutors have countered that two minors also live in the home with Hudson and his uncle and that he is a safety risk to the community.
Check back with Biography.com for more updates from the case.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
