As preparations move forward for Ashlee Jenae’s funeral in New Jersey this week, the case surrounding her death in Zanzibar has entered a new and deeply emotional phase. While local authorities have signaled a preliminary belief that her death may have been a suicide, her family is pushing back—demanding answers, seeking evidence, and now taking the extraordinary step of commissioning an independent autopsy.

For the Robinson family, the lack of clarity is compounded by what they describe as limited and troubling communication from McCann himself.

“What He Told Us Wasn’t Enough”

In the days following Ashlee’s death, the family says they had only minimal contact with McCann—and what little information he provided left them feeling unsettled. According to Robinson, the details shared by McCann before Ashlee’s death were not only incomplete but also raised concerns that ultimately eroded their trust.

While McCann has not made any public statement, his silence has only intensified speculation. He has recently set his social media accounts to private and changed his profile image, a move that, while not unusual in high-profile cases, has drawn additional attention given the circumstances.

The family has not disclosed exactly what was said in those conversations. But they have made one thing clear: it was enough to push them toward seeking independent verification of the official findings.

A Second Autopsy — Searching for Certainty

In response, Ashlee’s family has initiated an independent autopsy, with results still pending. The decision reflects a broader lack of confidence in the initial investigative conclusions from Zanzibar.

From an investigative perspective, this is a significant step. Independent autopsies are typically pursued when families believe key details may have been overlooked—or when the official cause of death does not align with their understanding of the victim’s final hours.

At the center of this doubt is a timeline that still feels incomplete.

The family is actively seeking access to hotel surveillance footage, which they believe could clarify what happened during Ashlee’s final hours. As of now, that footage has not been publicly released.

Where Is Joe McCann Now?

McCann’s current whereabouts remain unclear. According to earlier reporting by CBS News, Tanzanian authorities had confiscated his passport during the initial phase of the investigation and questioned him extensively. However, he has not been charged with any crime and is currently considered a witness, not a suspect.

There have been no recent public updates from Tanzanian officials regarding his status or whether he remains in the country. This lack of information has only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the case.

A Family Still Searching for Answers

The Robinson family has also indicated they are considering traveling to Tanzania themselves in order to meet directly with authorities. Their goal is simple: to understand what happened—and to ensure that no detail is overlooked.

In the meantime, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs, travel expenses, and other financial burdens stemming from the tragedy. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser has raised more than $63,000, reflecting widespread public sympathy and support.

In their message, Ashlee’s parents described the trip that brought her to Zanzibar as one that “was supposed to be a dream,” but instead became “our family’s worst nightmare.” They also acknowledged the immense difficulty of navigating an ongoing investigation from thousands of miles away while trying to bring their daughter home with dignity.

A Case Without Closure

Ashlee’s body was returned to the United States on Friday. However, what came back with her has become another point of concern. None of her personal belongings—including the engagement ring given to her just days before her death by her fiancé, Joseph “Joe” McCann—were returned alongside her remains. The family believes these items may still be in the possession of investigators in Tanzania, as the case remains active, though there has been no official confirmation on when or if they will be released.

For now, the case remains open.

Authorities in Zanzibar have not issued a final conclusion. The independent autopsy results are still pending. Key evidence—such as personal belongings and surveillance footage—remains out of reach.

And at the center of it all is a silence that continues to echo: Joe McCann has yet to publicly speak.

As Ashlee Jenae is laid to rest in New Jersey, her family is left with more questions than answers—holding onto the hope that, somewhere between official reports and missing pieces, the full truth of what happened will eventually come to light.