Ashleigh

I am a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. I love my job and love being in court.

[Lauren Conlin @conlin_lauren]

ANNA KEPNER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: A federal judge has ordered 16-year-old Timothy Hudson to be detained pending trial after revoking his release. The court ruled that because the case was transferred to adult prosecution, the Bail Reform Act now applies and no combination of conditions could reasonably assure the safety of the community. Hudson, who had been living with relatives under strict supervision for months, was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Marshals today, June 15. He will initially be housed at Citrus County Jail before being transferred to a juvenile unit at Miami-Dade Metro-West Detention Center ahead of his September trial. The judge also ordered that he receive a mental health evaluation and ongoing treatment while in custody.

Hudson is accused of raping and murdering his step-sister, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, while on a Carnival Cruise Ship in November 2025.

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Lying to a federal official is a crime under 18 U.S.C. § Section 1001.
It’s an open and shut case.

[MK True Crime @mktruecrime]

“That was the only time he had been in trouble before…”

Did a prior altercation keep Karmelo Anthony from taking the stand? Lawyers @aronberg and @ashleighmerchan discuss.

Watch and download: https://t.co/NohjkdErcn

[MK True Crime @mktruecrime]

Why choices carry fatal consequences: Ashleigh Merchant’s closing argument on how a preventable tragedy unfolded.

FULL show: https://t.co/qYAk0XUnFn

[MK True Crime @mktruecrime]

Court TV Reporter Cody Thomas joins the show to discuss why an ineffective assistance of counsel claim could play a key role in Karmelo Anthony’s appeal.

FULL show: https://t.co/qYAk0XUnFn

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Batson explained!!

[MK True Crime @mktruecrime]

“Why is the prosecution having a better relationship with a defense witness?"

What really happened inside the courtroom at the Karmelo Anthony trial? @CourtTV Reporter Cody Thomas joins to share his experience on the ground.

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Wow

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

It’s up! Please send any additional questions- this trial was frustrating since we were all so in the dark about what was happening inside so it was great to have an insider!

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

In another episode of “how the sausage is made” in the world of criminal injustice: I got my butt up early to drive over an hour to court. My client flew in from Florida for court. We learn the prosecutor is “working remotely today” and isn’t going to be here so the case continues. This is literally why we cannot have nice things (ie a well functioning court system).
Anyone surprised this is #FultonCounty ??

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

I’m recording a segment with @aronberg breaking down the Karmelo Anthony trial later this afternoon. I love answering legal questions so please send any and all and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Knowledge is power!
#karmeloanthony @mktruecrime

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Breaking: the jury in the Karmelo Anthony case has reached a verdict.

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

A manslaughter instruction is a defense win, in my opinion. I was curious if the defense would even ask for one or not.

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Enjoyed joining @megynkelly today!
Subscribe to our new venture @mktruecrime to catch yours truly!

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Check us out!!

[MK True Crime @mktruecrime]

CrimeCon Las Vegas Day 2 ✅

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the MK True Crime Booth at @CrimeCon to say hello and watched our live recordings today! Vegas, you were a blast! 💥

[Daily Report @DailyReport]

DOJ Seeks Recusal of Judge From Ga. Election Case Over Reported Attendance at Fani Willis Event https://t.co/a9x1gLHNqr

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

The infamous Poodle Room! Such an amazing evening!

[AAGHarmeetDhillon @AAGDhillon]

In case y’all are wondering… the GA motion to recuse:

https://t.co/FQ7CRCP46C

[Ashleigh Merchant @AshleighMerchan]

Blue dress, busted.