The 16-year-old accused of sexually assaulting and killing his stepsister, Anna Kepner, appeared publicly for the first time ahead of a federal court hearing that could determine whether he stays free before trial.

Timothy Hudson arrived at federal court in Miami wearing a gray button-down shirt and keeping his hands in his pockets as cameras captured him entering the building.

Federal prosecutors are now asking a judge to revoke Hudson’s release and place him in custody while he awaits trial.

Hudson has been living with his uncle under supervised release and GPS monitoring since being charged earlier this year.

The case shocked the country after Kepner, an 18-year-old cheerleader, was found dead during a Caribbean Carnival cruise in November.

Investigators say her body was discovered wrapped in a blanket and hidden under a bed inside the cabin she shared with Hudson during the family trip.

Officials later said Kepner had been strangled and sexually assaulted.

Hudson was first charged in juvenile court before the case was transferred to adult court, where he now faces murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges carrying the possibility of life in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty.

What the case shows

• Timothy Hudson is 16 years old
• He is charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse
• Anna Kepner was found dead during a family cruise in November
• Prosecutors say she was strangled and sexually assaulted
• Hudson is currently free under GPS monitoring
• Federal prosecutors now want him detained before trial
• Trial is currently scheduled for September

THE BIGGER QUESTION

The case has fueled outrage because of both the brutality of the allegations and the fact that Hudson has remained out of jail while awaiting trial.

Many people struggle to understand how someone accused of such serious crimes could be released before trial, especially after the case was moved into adult court.

The case also raises difficult questions about how the justice system handles violent crimes involving juveniles accused of adult-level offenses.

For families following the story, the emotional weight is even heavier because the victim and accused were being raised together as siblings.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The court’s upcoming bail decision could significantly affect the case heading into trial later this year.

If detained, Hudson would remain in custody until proceedings begin in September unless conditions change again.

The case is expected to continue drawing intense public attention as more details emerge through court filings and testimony.

What we still don’t know

• Whether the judge will revoke Hudson’s release
• What additional evidence prosecutors may present before trial
• Whether the September trial date will remain unchanged