North Unguja authorities have confirmed that multiple witnesses have described fiancé Joe McCann’s behavior in the hours and days following the death of 31-year-old Miami lifestyle influencer Ashlee Jenae (real name Ashly Robinson) as “heartless” and unusually detached. Even more alarming, several individuals claim they saw McCann holding and actively checking Ashlee’s phone shortly after the incident — yet the device is now reported as 100% gone, raising serious questions about chain of custody, potential tampering, and what critical evidence may have been lost or deleted.

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This latest development has intensified scrutiny of the case, which police had preliminarily ruled a suicide by hanging after Ashlee was found unresponsive inside the closet of her separate hotel room at the luxury Zuri Zanzibar resort on the night of April 9, 2026.

Witnesses Describe “Heartless” Behavior

According to statements obtained by investigators, several people present at or near the resort in the immediate aftermath described McCann’s demeanor as cold and lacking visible emotion. Some witnesses reportedly told police that instead of appearing devastated or in shock, McCann seemed composed, focused on practical matters, and at times even dismissive when discussing Ashlee’s condition or the unfolding events.

One witness allegedly observed McCann holding Ashlee’s phone in his hand and appearing to scroll or check messages and calls shortly after staff discovered her in the closet. This sighting occurred in the chaotic period following the welfare check, when emergency response was still underway. The phone — previously reported as still lit up with missed calls when Ashlee was found, and containing a partially deleted text sent at 11:49 p.m. referencing the earlier argument — is now completely unaccounted for.

Authorities have confirmed they are investigating the disappearance of the device, which is considered critical evidence. Forensic teams had begun examining it for missed calls, the partially deleted text, and other communications, including earlier messages in which Ashlee reportedly warned a friend “If anything happens, don’t believe the first version of the story,” and confided about wanting to “quietly end the engagement without confrontation.”

The Night of the Argument and Separation

The evening began with a loud, heated argument between Ashlee and McCann that was audible to other guests. Hotel staff intervened around 10:18 p.m., separating the couple into different rooms for de-escalation. Ashlee was placed in her own villa. Later, during a welfare check, she was found inside the closet with a piece of clothing used as a ligature. She was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead hours later.

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Police initially emphasized that there were no signs of forced entry and that Ashlee was alone after the separation. McCann has cooperated as a witness and has not been charged, though his passport remains withheld.

Mounting Evidence and Family Skepticism

The disappearance of the phone joins a growing list of anomalies that have fueled doubts about the suicide ruling:

Keypad/key card access logs showing multiple door openings in the post-separation window.
The engagement ring reportedly found in Ashlee’s rental car with suspicious bloodstains.
The bedroom door unlocked when staff entered.
A half-packed suitcase left open on the bed.
Testimony from friends and family about relationship instability, trust issues, and Ashlee’s desire to quietly leave the engagement.
The ominous pre-incident text warning not to believe the “first version” of events.

Ashlee’s family has repeatedly rejected the suicide narrative, insisting she showed no signs of mental health struggles and was excited about her future after the engagement and 31st birthday celebrations. Public photos from the Tanzania safari showed her joyfully feeding giraffes and zebras alongside McCann, with romantic proposal moments widely shared online.

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Close friend and PR executive Savannah Britt has been vocal, stating that “anyone who knows Ash knows she would NEVER commit suicide.” The family continues to demand a full independent investigation, including complete surveillance footage, restored or recovered phone data, key card logs, independent autopsy, and forensic analysis of all biological evidence.

They have highlighted inconsistent communication from McCann, who reportedly contacted them once (about 11 hours later) initially saying Ashlee was “okay,” before further details came primarily through the hotel.

Investigation Expands

North Unguja Regional Police Commander Benedict Mapujira has not issued a detailed public statement on the missing phone or witness descriptions of McCann’s behavior, but sources confirm both are now central to the probe. Investigators are examining chain-of-custody issues, potential deletion or removal of the device, and any correlation with McCann’s actions in the immediate aftermath.

Zuri Zanzibar has continued to cooperate, providing access to security systems and staff statements, though questions remain about comprehensive camera coverage in private villa areas and hallways.

As of April 15, 2026, the investigation remains active and appears to be significantly broadening. No charges have been filed against McCann.

Ashlee Jenae’s death has sparked intense global discussions about traveler safety, the pressures of social media personas, the handling of high-profile international cases, and the importance of preserving digital evidence in suspicious deaths.

Her loved ones continue to mourn a vibrant woman while insisting that every detail — from the alleged relationship tensions and ominous warnings to the “heartless” post-incident behavior and the now-missing phone — must be fully examined. Supporters using #JusticeForAshleeJenae are demanding nothing less than complete transparency and accountability.

This is a rapidly developing story. Further updates regarding the missing phone, witness statements, or forensic results could dramatically shift the direction of the case.