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St. Cloud woman reported missing believed to have left home voluntarily, police say

By Kelly Healey

Faith Kepner

By Kelly Healey
A St. Cloud woman who was reported missing is believed to have left her home voluntarily, police said Thursday in a news release.
While Faith Kepner, 20, has not been located by authorities, a news release said: “We have confirmed that on April 21st, 2019, Faith exited a Lynx bus at the Seminole Towne Center located at 200 Towne Center Circle in Sanford, Florida. Prior to exiting the Lynx bus, Faith made statements to the bus operator on her intent to travel to North Florida. Video surveillance was obtained from Lynx confirming the above.
“Based on all the evidence gathered during this investigation, there are no signs of foul play and believe Faith left her residence voluntarily.” 
Police said they also received information that on Tuesday, a woman matching Kepner’s description was seen in Deltona near Howland Boulevard.
Police do not believe foul play was involved, the release said.
"Once Faith is located, we will notify the community," police said.
Early Thursday morning, the Canoe Creek Christian Church posted on Facebook: “We have information from local authorities that Faith is safe, and we are confident in their efforts in the investigation.”
Another post from the church stated: “We will be suspending our role as the post for search coordination at this time.
Earlier:
Kepner was last seen Friday at a Walmart in St. Cloud.
Her mother, Sonya Kepner, said her daughter has the mental capacity of a 13-year-old. (Police said there is no documentation or diagnosis to support the family's claim.)
Sonya Kepner said her daughter did not show up for a babysitting job or to church on Sunday. 
“That is our fear, too. She believes everyone is good, and she never talks negative about anyone," Sonya Kepner said.
Her mother said Kepner left her purse at home.
Timeline of events:
  • Authorities said Kepner left her home on foot at about 10:30 a.m. Friday.
  • At 10:57 a.m., her mother received a text from Kepner, saying she was at a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Nolte Road, police said.
  • Kepner did not return home. Her mother reported her missing Sunday night and told police that her cellphone had been turned off.
  • Kepner was last seen wearing a pink shirt, black shorts, a black hooded sweatshirt with a heart emblem and black and red Skechers sneakers, according to a news release.
Video surveillance from the Walmart Neighborhood Market confirmed that Kepner used a restroom at the store before leaving.
There is no indication as to where Kepner went after Walmart or if she was with anyone else.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call the St. Cloud Police Department at 407-891-6700, ext. 6752.

Cox Media Group

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