The father of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner, whose mysterious death on a Carnival cruise ship has sparked an FBI investigation, has been subpoenaed to testify in a contentious custody battle. The cruise ship incident has ignited a legal dispute between Christopher Kepner’s wife, Shauntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, over the safety and well-being of their children. Anna’s death, which the family asserts was a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation, has led the FBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing. Meanwhile, the custody case has intensified as both parents have raised concerns about the other’s parenting abilities and the potential impact on their children’s futures.
The FBI has not yet identified any suspects in Anna’s death, nor have criminal charges been filed. However, the family court case has revealed that the family’s 16-year-old son is being investigated by the FBI in connection with Anna’s death. This development has only added to the tension between the parents, who have both sought custody of the children. Shauntel Kepner has called for a non-dissemination order to prevent public discussion of the case’s details, while Thomas Hudson has argued that his lack of involvement in the children’s lives has negatively impacted them. The court filings also mention that the 18-year-old son, who lives with Hudson, was reportedly separated from the family following an alleged violent altercation between himself, Shauntel, and Christopher Kepner.
As the legal battle continues, Christopher Kepner, who has not responded to media inquiries, faces a court hearing on Dec. 5 where he is expected to testify. The case has drawn considerable public attention not only for the tragic circumstances of Anna’s death but also for the ongoing legal and emotional turmoil within the family. The situation highlights the complex interplay between personal relationships, legal proceedings, and the broader implications of such high-profile cases on the families involved.