Her body has never been found. Her father pleaded guilty anyway.
Kytana Ancog, 18 months old, was killed by her father, Travis Rodrigues, at his home in Aiea, Hawaii, in early February 2021. Her remains have never been recovered.
A Weekend With Her Father
Kytana's mother dropped her off with Rodrigues on January 31, 2021, expecting to pick her up after a short stay. When Kytana wasn't returned as planned, her mother filed a missing persons report on February 10.
What Investigators Learned
A witness at Rodrigues's home told police she saw him strike and shake Kytana while appearing to be under the influence of methamphetamine, and that the toddler was left with bruising and bleeding that Rodrigues attempted to explain away. Given her age, we won't detail the full extent of the abuse described in court documents beyond confirming that Rodrigues later admitted to police that he had held Kytana against his chest until she stopped moving, believing she had died. He wrapped her body and arranged for a friend, Scott Carter, to help dispose of it. Rodrigues never contacted emergency services.
Arrest and Charges
Rodrigues was arrested on February 13, 2021, and later indicted on second-degree murder charges. Carter was separately charged with hindering prosecution for his alleged role in disposing of Kytana's remains; those charges were dismissed in 2022 just before his scheduled trial, though prosecutors noted they could be refiled.
A Guilty Plea
After lengthy delays, including a competency evaluation that ultimately found him fit to stand trial, Rodrigues pleaded guilty in February 2026 to the lesser charge of manslaughter rather than proceeding to trial on second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of six years and eight months. Had he been convicted at trial on the original murder charge, he could have faced up to life in prison.
Still No Answers
Kytana's body has never been located despite extensive searches. Her mother, Ashley Ancog, has said publicly that her only remaining wish is for closure — specifically, for Rodrigues and Carter to disclose where Kytana's remains can be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Travis Rodrigues convicted?
Yes. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2026 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of six years and eight months.
Has Kytana's body ever been found?
No. Despite extensive searches, her remains have never been located.
What happened to Scott Carter, the man accused of helping dispose of her body?
His hindering prosecution charges were dismissed in 2022 just before trial, though prosecutors said they could be refiled in the future.