Defense seeks trial delay in Carnival Horizon death case
Attorneys for 16-year-old Timothy Hudson say they need additional preparation time before his scheduled September 8 trial.
Attorneys representing Timothy Hudson have asked a federal court to postpone his trial, which is currently scheduled to begin September 8. A judge had not immediately ruled on the request, and the defense motion said federal prosecutors did not oppose a delay.
Federal prosecutors allege that Hudson, 16, sexually assaulted and killed his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard Carnival Horizon as the cruise ship returned to Miami in November.
In court papers, Hudson’s lawyers said they require more time to prepare, citing in part the family circumstances that have arisen from the allegations. They also argued that Hudson is entitled to a Miller hearing, regardless of whether he is convicted by a jury or enters a plea. Such a hearing would determine whether he is eligible for a sentence other than automatic life imprisonment.