Spotsylvania Prosecutors: Ex-Stepdad Had Motive to Kill Missing Teen

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. — Prosecutors in Spotsylvania County revealed Tuesday that James Branton, the former stepfather of missing teenager Katelin Akens, had a 'motive to kill' her, marking the first time officials have stated in court they believe the 18-year-old is dead.[1] Akens was last seen on Dec. 5, 2015, when her mother dropped her off at Branton's home before she was to catch a flight from Richmond to Arizona State University.[1][3] Her luggage turned up scattered along the 6600 block of River Road near Fredericksburg city limits two days later, but Akens has never been found.[3] Branton, 46, was arrested April 10 on eight felony counts, including two each of child cruelty, indecent exposure to a child, taking indecent liberties with a child while in custody, and aggravated sexual battery — offenses allegedly occurring between 2006 and 2011 while Akens, her younger sister and mother lived with him.[1][3] At a bond hearing Tuesday, Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Mehaffey told Spotsylvania General District Judge Rigual the sex abuse charges provided clear motive, arguing Branton posed 'an unreasonable danger to society.'[1] Judge Rigual denied bond, ordering Branton held without bail.[1] Defense attorney Spencer countered that Branton admitted only to spanking the girls' bare bottoms with 'no lascivious intent,' calling prosecutors' homicide link a 'stretch.'[1] He noted Branton was the last to see Akens, has cooperated fully, faces no murder charges and no evidence ties him to a firearm in the case.[1] Forensic teams searched Branton's Spotsylvania property and a nearby park Friday, hunting 'anything associated with a crime,' per the Sheriff's Office.[2][3] The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office keeps the decade-old probe active with local, state and federal partners, urging tips to 800-928-5822 or Crime Stoppers at 540-582-5822.[3]