Who was present in the motel lobby that could have overheard KDW's intention to drive to a McDonald's? A crime of opportunity for a random bad person(s)?
Maybe. But...
• When did MS arrive to the motel?
• Did MS really not meet up with KDW at/in the motel/room?
• How long had MS been there before she contacted the motel clerk?
• Were the two men still with MS when she contacted the motel clerk?
LE believes some of the people they interviewed know more than they disclosed.
• KDW had a prior criminal conviction for forgery in South Dakota.
• KDW was unemployed.
• KDW had a young child.
Was money not an issue? Who funded the trip?
2800+ miles round-trip costs: fuel, food, lodging.
According to KDW's parents, KDW said she'd return in four days.
Four days: 24 hrs x 4 = 96 hours.
Shortest drive time and distance from Haskell, OK to Bergen, NJ:
• 20 hr 42 min (1,382.8 mi) via I-44 E, I-70 E and I-80 E
Shortest drive time and distance from Haskell, OK to Carlisle, PA:
• 17 hr 53 min (1,177.8 mi) via I-44 E and I-70 E
Longest round-trip drive time: ~42 hours = ~2 days.
• 4 days - 2 days = 2 days left for visiting.
Add time for rest stops.
Add time and distance for non-direct routes.
• Likely: KDW planned for 2 days driving, 2 days visiting with MS.
During the phone call between KDW (at the motel) and MS (in Bergen), KDW stated she was tired, would nap at the motel. Did MS first offer to meet KDW at the motel _OR_ did KDW first ask MS to drive to the motel?
That might not be an important distinction because KDW wanted to nap at the motel regardless, but the decision to "nap" at the motel may have been a crucial element in why KDW met with foul play and that her disappearance had nothing to do with the reasons for the trip.
KDW - Charley Project Page
Items of note:
Around Thanksgiving in 1994, the wife of Wells's married boyfriend claimed she had heard from her. Wells allegedly called the woman and said she had gotten married and wouldn't be coming home. This story hasn't been confirmed, and police don't believe Wells actually made the telephone call.
Police have not named any suspects in her case, but stated they believed some of the people they interviewed knew more than they disclosed.
I could understand if the alleged claim of contact from KDW was her boyfriend's wife's attempt to exonerate her husband (he was under a veil of suspicion, no doubt) but are there other reasons why she would make such a claim? Why doesn't LE believe the contact took place? LE likely believes KDW was deceased by the time of the alleged contact.
LE believes some interviewees know more than they reveal. It is important to know who:
• MS?
• Two males with MS?
• Motel employees, patrons?
• Fast food employees, patrons?
• KDW's parents?
• Carlisle locals, passers-through?
• People who discovered/manipulated KDW's rental vehicle?
• People who discovered KDW's belongings in the ditch?
That KDW's motel key was found in the motel room is an important element. It tells me KDW hadn't yet left the motel room to find food. She likely had her purse (and, therefore, rental vehicle keys) with her when she went to the lobby to ask about food or get snacks from lobby vending machines if they existed.
KDW may have been intercepted after leaving the motel lobby to walk back to her room. If that is the case, I suspect LE believe motel personnel and/or patrons are the persons who might have held back info.