Prosecutors in the murder case against Timothy Hudson have secured Snapchat communications from Anna Kepner's final days and delivered the digital evidence to his defense team, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.com.
The data, retrieved through a search warrant served on Snapchat, includes messages and other information from Kepner's account during the period leading up to her death. Hudson, who is Kepner's step-brother, faces charges of rape and murder in connection with her killing.
The Snapchat records carry particular significance for the prosecution's timeline of events. Investigators have stated that Kepner sent her last Snapchat message at 8:14 p.m. According to the prosecution's account, Hudson, who was sharing a cabin room with Kepner at the time, departed the cabin at 10:13 p.m. and returned at 11:00 p.m.
Authorities allege that Hudson sexually assaulted and killed Kepner inside the cabin they were occupying together. The digital communications now in the hands of defense attorneys may prove crucial as both sides prepare their cases for trial.
The disclosure of the Snapchat data represents a standard element of the discovery process, during which prosecutors must share evidence with the defense. The messages and associated account information could provide insight into Kepner's state of mind, her activities, and her communications during the hours before her death.
The case continues to develop as both prosecution and defense teams analyze the available evidence. The specific contents of the Snapchat messages have not been made public at this time.