In a tragic turn of events, the father of a Florida cheerleader who died under mysterious circumstances on a Carnival cruise ship has been drawn into a contentious custody dispute. The court has summoned him to testify in the ongoing legal battle between his wife and her former spouse.
Christopher Kepner, the father of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, is at the center of this complex situation. Anna’s lifeless body was discovered in her cabin on November 7, around 11:15 a.m. She had embarked on a family vacation with her father, stepmother, grandparents, and several siblings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently probing Anna’s death, which, according to her family, has been classified as a homicide due to mechanical asphyxiation, as reported by ABC News.
The investigation has yet to publicly name any suspects, and no criminal charges have been filed. However, the custody battle in family court has taken an unexpected turn, revealing that the FBI is examining the involvement of Christopher’s wife’s 16-year-old son concerning Anna’s untimely demise.
For those interested, the legal subpoena is available for review, shedding more light on this intricate legal and familial drama.
Read the subpoena:
Christopher Kepner has been ordered to testify during a Dec. 5 hearing in Brevard County, according to a subpoena filed by Hudson’s attorney, Scott Smith.
Anna Kepner was identified by her family as the passenger who died onboard the Carnival Horizon. (Instagram/Anna Kepner)
After Anna’s death, Hudson asked the judge for custody of the daughter he shares with Shauntel, arguing in part that her parenting has directly put their 16-year-old son’s future “in jeopardy.”
“The Petitioner has not been allowed input into the children’s lives and his lack of involvement has negatively impacted the children,” Hudson wrote to the judge on Nov. 17.
Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship on Nov. 7, during a vacation with her family. (Anna Kepner/Instagram)
They also have an 18-year-old son who lives with Hudson. He went to live with his dad after an alleged “violent altercation” between himself, Shauntel and Christopher Kepner, according to court filings.
Christopher Kepner has not responded to Fox News Digital’s attempts to reach him.
