Crime
Anna Kepner’s Family Says They Are ‘at Peace’ After Accused Killer Stepbrother Is Jailed
The family of murdered Anna Kepner released a statement following a judge’s decision to revoke the pretrial release of her accused killer and stepbrother, Timothy Hudson.
On Monday, June 15, Hudson surrendered to the U.S. Marshal in Tampa and was taken into custody while he awaits trial on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse, NBC reported.
People reported on Wednesday, June 17, that the Kepner family released a statement thanking “the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in helping place the accused murderer of Anna Marie Kepner behind bars until trial.”
The family said in the statement — which was released by Anna’s father Christopher Kepner and his wife Shauntel Kepner, who is also Hudson’s mother — that it was “painful for our family to know that he had been free for as long as he was” but added they were “now at peace knowing that he will not be able to harm anyone else while awaiting trial.”
News of the revocation of his pretrial release came shortly after what would have been Anna’s 19th birthday.
Her family said they marked the day by celebrating her life. “While birthdays are never the same without her, we continue to honor her memory and cherish the love and joy she brought to our lives,” the family added in their statement as per People.
The family closed the statement by adding they “remain hopeful for a swift conclusion to this process and for justice to be served.”
Shauntel sent her 16-year-old son to live with her brother and his family after the death of Anna, who was sexually assaulted and asphyxiated aboard a Carnival Cruise in November 2025, according to official documents.
Hudson remained in his uncle’s custody until Monday, June 15, when he turned himself in to U.S. Marshals after a judge revoked his pretrial release, NewsNation reported on Tuesday, June 16. He will remain behind bars while he awaits trial.
Hudson is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister, Globe previously reported. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his trial is set to begin in September.
