Anna Kepner's Stepbrother and Accused Murderer Asks to Delay Trial Over 'Very Unfortunate' Family Dynamic, Court Documents Reveal

Anna Kepner's stepbrother and accused murderer, Timothy Hudson, is asking a federal judge to postpone his September murder trial.

The 16-year-old's attorneys said they need additional time to prepare his defense.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Hudson's lawyers say they need to conduct additional research before the case moves forward, including examining his status as a juvenile and the "different considerations that apply to him."

The defense also pointed to what it called the "unique — and very unfortunate — family dynamic that has resulted from the allegations here."

Hudson's attorney further said he does "not have the type of access to certain family members that would facilitate their investigation," according to the documents.

The defense acknowledged that progress has been made but argued that "more still needs to be done" before the case is ready for trial.

Hudson is accused of sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon in November 2025.

The teenager was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse five months after Kepner's death.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, Hudson allegedly "sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner" while "the ship was in international waters en route to Miami."

Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile by information on February 2. However, he is now facing the federal charges as an adult.

"The case remained sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution," a news release explained.

Kepner and Hudson were passengers aboard the Horizon as it traveled back toward Miami "on or about Nov. 6-7, 2025."

Kepner's body was discovered by a housekeeper beneath a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined that Kepner died from mechanical asphyxiation.

Hudson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted of the federal charges.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida shared in a statement, "Our hearts go out to the victim's 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. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," the statement continued.