Murder Investigation into Teen Cheerleader Anna Kepner Faces Stalemate

A fresh development has emerged in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner, as federal authorities continue to look for answers. It’s been almost six weeks without a significant update in the case, but a subpoena in a Florida family court might shed some light.

According to a subpoena linked to Anna’s stepmother, Shawntel Kepner, witnesses from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Temple Christian School, where Anna was enrolled, are set to appear at a custody hearing in Viera, Florida, this Wednesday afternoon.

Those summoned include DCF Agent Glora Thomas and staff members from Temple Christian School—Gabi Brunner, Karen Ross, and Rich Brunner—who have been asked to provide records concerning various children associated with the Hudson and Kepner families.

This latest development comes on the heels of Anna’s death being ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation. Her body was discovered under the bed in the stateroom she shared with her younger brother and her 16-year-old stepbrother aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 7.

Experiences around this case have raised eyebrows. Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno noted that the lack of information from investigators could be tied to the complicated dynamics of family relationships. “It’s odd that we haven’t heard anything,” she remarked, suggesting that authorities must tread carefully considering the victim’s family and the alleged perpetrator might be living in the same home.

Rotunno added that the nature of Anna’s cause of death may also factor into the silence from investigators. “It could be that they’re still trying to establish the facts,” she pondered, indicating that the circumstances surrounding the mechanical asphyxiation might not be clear-cut.

The emergency detention hearing on December 5 was the first noteworthy progress since the incident. At this hearing, Shawntel’s attorney, Millicent Atanason, raised the possibility of her 16-year-old stepson facing state or federal charges. The uncertainty about the FBI’s next steps remains palpable. “We don’t know if it will be federal charges or extradition,” Atanason shared.

Interestingly, court documents label the 16-year-old as a “suspect” in the ongoing FBI investigation. However, officials have yet to name any suspects or reveal any charges officially.

Atanason mentioned that the boy is currently residing with relatives while investigators await the results from psychological and psychiatric evaluations. “We don’t really know how long he’ll be with them,” she added, seeming to underscore the case’s fluid nature.

At a previous family court hearing, Shawntel revealed that her stepson, the 16-year-old, had been diagnosed with ADHD and had removed himself from his medication during the cruise. Additionally, Anna’s 18-year-old stepbrother Andrew Hudson brought up new claims of unrest within the family, stating he had been restrained in a car by Shawntel and Christopher.

Shawntel’s ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, also testified, suggesting his youngest child may be at risk under Shawntel’s supervision, especially following Anna’s death. He further accused Christopher of interfering with custody exchanges.

While the judge determined there weren’t any imminent threats requiring a change in custody, issues surrounding potential contempt could come up at the scheduled hearing.

In preparation for the upcoming court session, DCF has been asked to deliver several years of related records, ranging from medical documents to investigative files dating back to 2007. Meanwhile, Temple Christian School has been tasked with presenting attendance, behavior, and academic records for two of the children involved.

The next hearing is set for Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Moore Justice Center.