Was Sophia Sullivan’s Missing Phone Accessed After Her Death?

On March 16, 2018, Sophia “Sophi” Sullivan, a teacher in the Marfa Independent School District, was found murdered inside her home in Fort Davis, Texas. Her 7-year-old son was the only known eyewitness.

From the beginning, he told investigators that he knew who killed his mother. And when he took the stand two years later, his account hadn’t changed. Sophia’s husband, Danny Sullivan, was arrested and charged with her murder on March 29, 2018. But when his case went to trial in October 2019, the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict. The result was a mistrial. Now, eight years after Sophia’s death, a surprising new public appeal from law enforcement has reignited questions about this case and about what evidence investigators may still be searching for.

In this look into the headlines, Crime Junkie’s breaking news reporter Briana Whitney examines the murder of Sophia Sullivan, the case against Danny Sullivan, the testimony that divided a jury, and a newly discovered detail involving one critical piece of evidence that has never been found.

You’ll hear about the events surrounding Sophia Sullivan’s murder on March 16, 2018, in Fort Davis, Texas, what Sophia’s young son said he witnessed inside their home, the testimony he gave during Danny Sullivan’s 2019 murder trial, what Sophia had reportedly told friends and family about her marriage in the months before her death, the physical and circumstantial evidence presented at trial, why three jurors ultimately declined to convict Danny Sullivan, and the June 17, 2026, Facebook post from the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office asking the public for new information.

This investigation also explores Sophia’s plans and concerns in the months leading up to her death, what her best friend, Britney Mann, and father, Charlie Sabey, say Sophia told them, the jewelry discovered after Danny Sullivan’s arrest, investigative missteps that became a major issue during the 2019 trial, why Danny Sullivan has not faced a second trial despite the murder charge remaining pending, and the mystery surrounding Sophia’s missing cell phone.

Then there’s one more detail…. Years after Sophia’s death, Britney Mann noticed something unusual on the final iMessage she sent to her friend on March 17, 2018: the message appeared as read. By then, Sophia was already dead, and according to the case information reviewed for this episode, Sophia’s phone has never been recovered. So was the read receipt simply a technical anomaly, or did someone access Sophia’s missing phone after her death?

As of this episode, Danny Sullivan remains charged with Sophia Sullivan’s murder. His 2019 trial ended with a hung jury and no conviction. He has maintained his innocence. In June 2026, the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office publicly renewed its request for information about Sophia’s murder. Investigators haven’t publicly explained what prompted that renewed appeal or what new piece of evidence they may be looking for. -------- Are you apart of Ashley's Summer Watch Challenge? Text "BREAKING NEWS" to 317-733-7485 to stamp your bingo card. Not apart of Ashley's challenge and want to join? Text "WATCH IT" to 317-733-7485 to join!

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