The father of an 18-year-old Florida cheerleader, Anna Kepner, who died under mysterious circumstances aboard a Carnival cruise ship, has been subpoenaed to testify in a contentious custody battle between his wife and her ex-husband. The case has become a public legal and emotional dispute, with the FBI investigating her death, which has been ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation. The family’s legal conflict has escalated amid allegations of parental neglect and a potential criminal investigation into their 16-year-old stepbrother, who is being probed in connection with Anna’s death.
Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5 at a hearing in Brevard County, where his wife, Shauntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, are locked in a bitter dispute over custody of their children. Hudson has accused Shauntel of failing to provide proper care, arguing that her parenting has put their 16-year-old son’s future at risk. In a court filing on Nov. 17, Hudson claimed that he has been excluded from his children’s lives, leading to a negative impact on the family dynamics.
Meanwhile, Shauntel has requested a non-dissemination order, aiming to prevent public discussion of the family court case, and sought to seal the case file to protect the family’s privacy. The situation has intensified after an alleged violent altercation between Christopher, Shauntel, and their 18-year-old son, who now lives with Hudson. Christopher Kepner has not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital, leaving the family’s legal and personal battles to unfold in the public eye.
The FBI’s involvement has further complicated the case, with the agency probing Anna’s death while no criminal charges have been formally filed. The 16-year-old stepbrother is under scrutiny as the investigation continues, adding to the complexity of a family already in turmoil. As the trial approaches, the legal and emotional toll on all parties is expected to become more apparent, raising questions about the role of the justice system in resolving such high-profile family disputes.