Brevard County deputies have stated that Lane Michael Estep, 18, played a role in helping his father, Brian Estep, 42, conceal the murder of Amber Renee Estep, 39, by setting fire to Brian’s truck. T
he two suspects have been brought back from West Virginia to face charges related to Amber’s death. Amber was last seen on January 16, with her mother reporting her absence on the 19th, after she missed work shifts. Brian claimed he dropped Amber off on Interstate 95 following an argument, letting her out of the vehicle despite driving northbound.
Lane was present at the scene of his father’s burning truck and mentioned a vehicle recall as the possible cause, but there were no recalls for the said vehicle. The next day, Amber’s body was found near Pit Bull Lane.
Lane told investigators he took the truck out while riding ATVs with a friend, claiming he saw the fire after spotting smoke. He stated he did not know what caused it but mentioned the vehicle recall. Brian asserted he permitted Lane to use the truck that night, with a friend noting the unusualness of Lane driving it to work.
Lane called in to work that night citing a family emergency. Brian faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, while Lane is accused of first-degree arson, being an accessory after the fact of a capital felony, and tampering with evidence in a capital felony.