The father of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner, who died on a Carnival cruise ship under suspicious circumstances, has been subpoenaed to testify in a contentious custody battle between his wife and her ex-husband. The FBI is investigating Anna’s death as a potential homicide, with her family asserting that her death was caused by mechanical asphyxiation. This tragic incident has exacerbated an ongoing family court dispute, as both parties seek to protect the interests of their 16-year-old son, who is also under FBI investigation. The situation has become further complicated by the legal and personal tensions surrounding the custody case and the family’s desire to control the narrative.
Anna Kepner, a Florida resident, was found dead in her cabin aboard the cruise ship on November 7. Her family provided the initial report to ABC News, claiming that the death was a homicide, with the cause being mechanical asphyxiation. While the FBI has not yet identified a suspect or filed any charges, the case has taken a dramatic turn as the custody battle between Christopher Kepner and his wife’s ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, has intensified. The court filings reveal a deepening rift, with Hudson arguing that the lack of parental involvement in the children’s lives has put their future at risk.
The custody dispute has also raised concerns about the potential impact of the case on the family’s children, particularly the 16-year-old son, who is under FBI investigation for possible involvement in Anna’s death. The situation has led to heightened legal battles, with both parties seeking to control the narrative and limit public access to sensitive information. Shauntel Kepner, Anna’s mother, has filed requests for a non-dissemination order and to seal the case file, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation and the desire to protect the family’s privacy.
The FBI’s investigation into Anna’s death continues, with no formal charges yet filed. The case highlights the complex interplay between personal and legal issues, as the family grapples with the aftermath of a tragic event that has now become a public legal concern. The court proceedings and ongoing investigations underscore the gravity of the situation, as the family seeks resolution in both legal and personal matters.