The trial for Timothy Hudson, 16, who is charged with murdering his stepsister Anna Kepner, has been delayed for a second time. The trial is now scheduled to begin on November 2, following a request for a delay by Hudson's lawyers, which was granted by a Florida judge on Tuesday, according to WOFL. Hudson was initially set to go on trial on June 1, with the date later moved to September 8.
Hector Dopico, an assistant federal public defender, requested the delay to allow the defense to complete their investigation into issues that may impact the case's resolution. In court documents, Dopico stated, "Although defense counsel have spent a significant amount of time reviewing the discovery provided by the government and researching various issues of potential relevance, their preparations are not yet complete."
The court documents noted that the seriousness of the alleged offenses and Hudson's status as a juvenile were factors influencing the decision to delay the trial. Hudson is being tried as an adult on charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse, facing a potential life sentence if convicted.
The trial comes nearly a year after the alleged incident on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship, where Kepner, 18, was found dead. She was reportedly strangled in a cabin she shared with Hudson and her 13-year-old brother. The incident occurred between 7:51 p.m. and 11:21 p.m. on November 6, the day before her body was discovered.
Prosecutors allege that Hudson mechanically asphyxiated Kepner and concealed her body under her bed while her younger brother was asleep nearby. Evidence indicated that Kepner had a bruised neck and additional bruises and blood were found around her ear. Hudson allegedly checked the cabin multiple times after the incident before her body was found approximately 12 hours later.
A grand jury indicted Hudson, stating he "did knowingly and unlawfully perpetrate" the killing of Kepner with malice aforethought. Kepner was a straight-A student with plans to join the military, and her father accepted her diploma at her graduation ceremony in May.