Newly released court documents have revealed disturbing details in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, whose body was discovered hidden inside a cabin aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship in November 2025.
The information comes from an unsealed transcript of a February court hearing involving Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection with her death.
The case has drawn national attention due to the shocking allegations and the circumstances surrounding the incident aboard a cruise ship.
Anna Kepner Entered Cabin but Never Came Out
According to prosecutors, Anna Kepner was seen entering cabin 8343 aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship at approximately 7:38 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2025.
Court records indicate that she was never seen leaving the cabin.
The following morning, a member of the ship’s housekeeping staff made a tragic discovery. Prosecutors said Anna’s body was found wrapped in a blanket and partially hidden underneath a bed inside the cabin.
Investigators believe efforts were made to conceal the body from view.
Prosecutors Say Body Was Hidden Under Bed
During the court hearing, prosecutors revealed that Anna’s body had been placed partially beneath the bed and covered from sight using a box of life jackets.
According to court testimony, the concealment was so effective that another family member unknowingly slept in the same cabin that night.
Authorities said Anna’s brother stayed in the room without realizing his sister’s body was hidden only a short distance away.
The revelation has become one of the most disturbing details to emerge from the investigation.
Brother Was Reportedly Last Family Member to See Anna Alive
Prosecutors stated that Anna’s brother was the last known family member to see her alive before the alleged crime occurred.
According to investigators, he briefly stopped by the cabin around 7:51 p.m. and saw Anna there.
When he later returned several hours afterward, she was no longer visible.
Court records also allege that when he attempted to enter the room shortly after midnight, Timothy Hudson blocked him from entering and made him wait outside for approximately two minutes before allowing him inside.
The brother reportedly slept in the cabin and resumed normal activities the next day, unaware of what had allegedly occurred.
Investigators Focus on Timothy Hudson
According to prosecutors, surveillance records show Hudson entered the cabin just minutes before Anna arrived.
Court documents indicate that he remained in or near the room for most of the following 18 hours, leaving only a few times.
Investigators further allege that Hudson destroyed Anna’s mobile phone and later disposed of it in the trash.
These allegations form a significant part of the government’s case.
Family Reportedly Cut Ties With Teen
Following Anna’s death, both her father, Christopher Kepner, and Hudson’s mother, Shauntel, publicly stated that they had cut all ties with the teenager.
After returning from the cruise, Hudson reportedly moved in with another family member.
He remains on pretrial release and has been living under family supervision while awaiting trial.
Teen Now Facing Adult Charges
Hudson was initially arrested and charged as a minor in February 2026.
However, a federal grand jury later returned an indictment, leading prosecutors to refile the charges so that he could be prosecuted as an adult.
He now faces:
| Charge | Status |
|---|---|
| Murder | Charged |
| Aggravated Sexual Assault | Charged |
If convicted on both counts, Hudson could face two life sentences.
Grand Jury Alleges Premeditated Killing
According to the superseding indictment, the grand jury alleges that Hudson unlawfully carried out a deliberate and premeditated killing.
The indictment further claims that the death occurred during the commission of aggravated sexual abuse.
These allegations remain unproven, and prosecutors must present evidence in court to support the charges.
Judge Allows Release Pending Trial
Prosecutors recently asked the court to revoke Hudson’s pretrial release and place him in custody while awaiting trial.
However, during a detention hearing held on May 27, a judge denied that request.
As a result, Hudson will continue living with a maternal aunt while the case moves through the legal system.
The death of Anna Kepner has left her family and community searching for answers. As investigators and prosecutors continue building their case, the court process will determine whether the allegations against Timothy Hudson can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The tragic circumstances surrounding the case have made it one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings involving a cruise ship in recent years.
