A domestic violence case involving a top Los Angeles Fire Department official resurfaces amid scrutiny over the city's response to recent devastating wildfires.
According to Daily Mail, LAFD Assistant Chief Kristina "Kady" Kepner was accused of strangling her ex-girlfriend and threatening her with a knife in 2021, while her superior allegedly covered up the incident and proceeded with plans for her promotion.
The allegations came to light through court documents filed in November 2021, revealing disturbing details of alleged violent behavior by Kepner. The 49-year-old official, who currently oversees the department's Emergency Operations Center, allegedly attacked her former partner during a heated argument at their shared residence. The incident reportedly escalated to physical violence and threats, culminating in a domestic violence restraining order filing.
The ex-girlfriend, who remains anonymous due to the nature of the allegations, provided detailed accounts of the incident in court filings. She described being placed in a headlock, knocked to the floor, and forcibly kissed during the altercation. The situation allegedly intensified when Kepner brandished a large butcher knife, threatening self-harm before writing a suicide note.
Kepner's ex-girlfriend stated to Daily Mail regarding LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley's alleged involvement:
I did message Kristin Crowley in 2022 and I let her know that I have it on video, that Kady threatened to kill me – she attacked me. Crowley went ahead with plans to promote her anyway.
The department initially denied knowledge of the incident but later acknowledged conducting an investigation. They claimed the allegations were unsubstantiated, though Kepner was temporarily reassigned during the probe.
The controversy extends beyond the initial assault allegations, touching on questions of departmental oversight and accountability. Kepner, who earned over $500,000 in 2023, maintained her position overseeing HR complaints and misconduct investigations despite the serious accusations against her.
According to Kepner's attorney, John Fowler, the accusations were fabricated. He defended his client's reputation, stating that she had been exonerated in multiple forums, including police reports, restraining orders, and LAFD investigations. Kepner herself insisted the claims were "bogus" and part of a campaign to damage her career.
The ex-girlfriend refused to participate in the LAFD's internal investigation, citing concerns about bias. She argued that Kepner's colleagues shouldn't investigate someone who oversees the Professional Standards Bureau, suggesting instead that an independent third party should handle the case.
Both women filed domestic violence restraining orders against each other, with Kepner claiming her ex-girlfriend was the aggressor. The legal proceedings concluded in February 2022 when a judge dismissed both cases, determining insufficient evidence to support new restraining orders.
The Los Angeles Police Department investigated the incident and referred it to the district attorney's office, which declined to file charges. However, the case's resolution has not silenced critics who question the department's handling of the matter.
The controversy has gained renewed attention as the city grapples with widespread destruction from recent wildfires, putting additional scrutiny on LAFD leadership and their decision-making processes.
Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, a senior LAFD official earning over half a million dollars annually, faced serious domestic violence allegations from her ex-girlfriend in 2021. The case, which included claims of attempted strangulation and knife threats, was ultimately dismissed in court, though questions persist about the department's handling of the investigation. While LAFD leadership maintains they properly investigated and cleared Kepner of wrongdoing, critics continue to question the transparency of the process and alleged attempts to suppress the incident while proceeding with her planned promotion.
