Miami Judge to Decide Detention for Teen in Cruise Murder

A federal judge in Miami is expected to decide Wednesday whether a teenager charged with killing his stepsister aboard a cruise ship will be jailed while awaiting trial. Timothy Hudson, 16, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner last November on the Carnival Horizon.

Hudson was initially charged as a juvenile and released in February to live with an uncle under electronic monitoring. Following the case's transfer to adult court, federal prosecutors have filed a motion seeking his pretrial detention, arguing he poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk. Hudson has pleaded not guilty.

The alleged crime occurred during a family vacation. According to a criminal complaint, Kepner's body was found concealed under a bed in a cabin she shared with Hudson and another sibling as the ship was scheduled to return to Florida. Authorities ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxia, which occurs when an object or force prevents breathing. Investigators reported she was found wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets.

Prosecutors contend the severity of the charges warrants detention....