The stepbrother? I'm way behind, sorry.And he was charged with murder in the FIRST degree, too!
Yes! It took them long enough - but finally. I wonder if in federal cases it has to go through a grand jury and it just took a while to get it together? Not sure. Or maybe they were just waiting for some kind of testing to get back.The stepbrother? I'm way behind, sorry.
Charged as an adult for first degree murder should definitely at least have a bond/bail hearing as soon as it got changed to adult charges.![]()
Charged as an adult, but not behind bars? The latest in the Anna Kepner case
Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to revoke the release of a 16-year-old accused in the death of his stepsister Anna Kepner, arguing he should be taken into custody now that the case has been transferred to adult courtwww.clickorlando.com
Charged as an adult, but not behind bars? The latest in the Anna Kepner case
Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to revoke the release of a 16-year-old accused in the death of his stepsister, arguing he should be taken into custody now that the case has been transferred to adult court.
In a motion filed April 13, prosecutors said Timothy Hudson’s earlier release was granted under juvenile law and should no longer apply after a federal judge approved moving the case to adult prosecution.
Hudson is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner.
Hudson was initially released to a family member in Hernando County following a detention hearing in February, when the case was still being handled under the federal Juvenile Delinquency Act.
During that hearing, prosecutors argued Hudson should be detained, citing concerns he posed a danger to others. A magistrate judge found probable cause for the charges but denied the request for detention, instead allowing Hudson to remain out of custody under specific conditions.
Now, prosecutors say that decision should be reconsidered.
In the newly filed motion, they argue that once the case was transferred to adult prosecution, it became subject to the federal Bail Reform Act — which allows courts to weigh broader factors when deciding whether a defendant should be detained before trial.
Prosecutors pointed back to the earlier detention hearing and reiterated their concerns about dangerousness, writing in the filing that “the defendant should be detained.”
They also said that, at minimum, the court should consider imposing a bond — an option that was not part of the original release order.
Hudson’s attorneys have been ordered to file a response to the government’s motion by April 20. A judge will then decide whether Hudson will remain out of custody or be detained while the case moves forward.
If the court orders Hudson detained, prosecutors have not specified where he would be held. Because he is still a minor but is being prosecuted as an adult, it remains unclear whether he would be placed in a juvenile facility or an adult jail.
This case drives me nuts! Seems upside down all the time!Charged as an adult for first degree murder should definitely at least have a bond/bail hearing as soon as it got changed to adult charges.
Makes me wonder what he didn't want to come out in trial. You just know this kid has skeletons.![]()
Stepbrother pleads not guilty to killing Anna Kepner on a cruise ship
The 16-year-old, identified in court documents as T.H., was indicted on federal charges, including murder and aggravated sexual assault, earlier this month.www.nbcnews.com
Stepbrother pleads not guilty to killing Anna Kepner on a cruise ship
The stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship last year, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in connection with her death.
The plea was made in a Tuesday court filing that also waives the defendant's appearance at his arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday in Miami federal court, according to the filing.
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Judge accepts waiver of appearance at teen suspect's arraignment in Anna Kepner cruise ship death
Anna Kepner’s stepbrother, charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse, was set to appear in federal court on Wednesday but waived his appearance and pleaded not guilty.www.wesh.com
Judge accepts waiver of appearance at teen suspect's arraignment in Anna Kepner cruise ship death
Anna Kepner’s stepbrother, charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in her death, was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning.
The case was called just after 10 a.m. in Miami federal court as U.S.A. v. T.H. – his name was not said and has been withheld from court documents.
The stepbrother, 16, is being identified as T.H. despite being charged as an adult.
On Tuesday, however, T.H. waived his appearance and pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Judge Eduardo Sanchez accepted T.H.’s waiver of appearance at the arraignment on Wednesday.
The federal public defender who appeared on T.H.'s behalf left the courthouse without answering questions from reporters.
In the courtroom, he told the judge T. H. is pleading not guilty to his charges of murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
He also said they have a copy of the superseding indictment; they're asking for discovery from the government and demanding a trial by jury.
The issue of pre-trial detention did not come up during the hearing that lasted less than two minutes.