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Content material warning: This text contains descriptions of sexual assault that some readers could discover distressing.
Federal investigators have obtained a DNA pattern from a thriller juvenile male who allegedly had intercourse with 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship shortly earlier than her dying.
This improvement introduces a possible twist as federal prosecutors transfer ahead with their case in opposition to Kepner’s stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who faces expenses for her alleged sexual assault and murder.
The revelation is detailed in a just lately unsealed 145-page detention listening to transcript. Hudson, beforehand identified in juvenile court documents by his initials, T.H., is accused of killing Kepner inside their shared cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon in November 2025 because the ship sailed from Cozumel, Mexico, again to Miami. If convicted, {the teenager} may face a most penalty of life in jail.
ANNA KEPNER DIES MYSTERIOUSLY DURING FAMILY VACATION ON CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP: TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Prosecutors element Anna Kepner’s remaining moments after her killer strangles her to dying in her cruise cabin. They described her homicide as “a barbaric, intentional, considerate act.” Timothy Hudson has been charged with first-degree homicide and sexual assault. (Matthew Symons for Fox Information Digital | Anna Kepner/Instagram)
In line with the transcript, prosecutors disclosed that Kepner had sexual activity through the cruise with an out-of-state minor, referred to in court as “minor witness two.” Investigators confirmed this particular person isn’t Hudson, who was 16 on the time of the killing.
The disclosure got here as prosecutors laid out DNA proof collected after Kepner’s body was found in cabin 8343, which she shared with Hudson and her 13-year-old brother.
ANNA KEPNER’S STEPBROTHER CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE: COURT DOCS
Prosecutors mentioned a rape package collected throughout Kepner’s post-mortem produced male DNA from two vaginal swabs, together with one which examined constructive for sperm.
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Based mostly on these preliminary outcomes, the FBI obtained a search warrant for Hudson’s DNA. Investigators additionally collected DNA from the out-of-state minor who allegedly had intercourse with Kepner through the cruise.
Anna Kepner was recognized by her household because the passenger who died onboard the Carnival Horizon. (Fb)
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Prosecutors mentioned the FBI lab in contrast DNA requirements from Hudson and “minor witness two” to the male DNA profile discovered within the vaginal swabs. In line with the federal government, the opposite minor was excluded as a contributor.
Prosecutors mentioned the DNA as a substitute strongly supported Hudson because the male contributor.
The federal government mentioned that one swab was 120 sextillion occasions extra prone to embody DNA from Kepner and Hudson than from Kepner and an unknown, unrelated individual.
CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DEATH: FAMILY DYNAMICS MAY EXPLAIN INVESTIGATORS’ SILENCE, LEGAL EXPERT SAYS
A second swab, which was destructive for sperm however constructive for male DNA, was described as 1.2 septillion occasions extra prone to embody Hudson than an unknown, unrelated individual.
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Anna Kepner was discovered lifeless on a Carnival Cruise Line ship. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Common Pictures Group)
The protection, nevertheless, signaled that the opposite sexual encounter and the timeline may grow to be a part of its technique.
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In the course of the listening to, Hudson’s lawyer argued prosecutors have been making assumptions in regards to the proof, together with whether or not the sexual contact, alleged sexual assault and homicide have been all a part of the identical occasion.
The protection pressed an FBI agent on whether or not the medical expert may decide how lengthy after intercourse Kepner died, or whether or not the individual concerned within the intercourse was the identical one that killed her. The agent responded that he did not “assume they made that dedication.”
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Timothy Hudson seems in a courtroom sketch throughout a listening to in Miami federal courtroom on Could 27. He’s accused of murdering his stepsister, Anna Kepner, and sexually assaulting her. (Lothar Speer)
Prosecutors argued the proof pointed to Hudson, citing the DNA, CCTV footage, phone-location knowledge and the cabin timeline.
They mentioned Kepner was final seen coming into the cabin at 7:38 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2025 and was not seen leaving once more.
Prosecutors additionally mentioned Hudson was within the cabin together with her for a key stretch of time and that her cellphone later appeared to journey alongside the identical route as Hudson earlier than it was discovered destroyed in a trash bin.
The decide discovered possible trigger however mentioned he wouldn’t characterize the federal government’s case as sturdy, calling it “a a lot nearer name” and noting that “numerous defenses” may very well be raised.
Hudson’s case is expected to go to trial in September. Fox Information Digital has reached out to Hudson’s attorneys for remark.
