I want to try and do something a little different here, that may help with perspective…
- Location: Springfield, Missouri. The southwest Missouri location is right in the middle of America. It has the heart of America’s interstate…I-44. While many people think of Springfield as a small, hometown (even with over 250k people and numerous churches in the county), they often forget about what and how I-44 plays into this area. This area is hosts a large number of trucking companies because of I-44. As you can easily conclude, this would make it a prime area for trafficking of all sorts, as well as a host of criminals of all kinds. If you are unfamiliar with the history of Meth (and other drugs) in the Ozarks, it is very easy to track down this info. Hence the term “417” (the area code for the Ozarks). Many national reports have Springfield in the top 10 crime / dangerous cities to live in. I believe they currently have been ranked 11th.
- Time: During the month of June, daylight in this area starts around 5am, and stays until right around 9pm. The early daylight is something I believe is something to note. For example; if the average adult in Springfield goes to bed around 11pm and the daylight begins at 5am, there is 6 hours in between. 2am would be the median. 3am would then likely lead me to believe that would be an ideal time (after the median, and while many would assume in their “best” sleep) for a crime like this to be committed. It would also give approximately 2 hours of time until daylight.
Scenario 1: This would connect the drug angle to the disappearances. The above information would be critical to this theory. Why? Because this would be a planned event. The idea of a criminal “enterprise” located in this area, is not far fetched. Hence why I believe detective Thomas was convinced of this (not saying it is correct or incorrect). You’ve got victim(s) directly connected to criminals, and those criminals have a direct connection to SG. SG was, and is very well connected to major “players” in the drug world in this area. Hence, while he may (and probably is not the perp who kidnapped) not be directly tied to the incidence, he would be a major POI with direct connections and information. What we end up with is a tangled web with names mentioned throughout these numerous posts / threads that are connected with each other. I believe this plays a very large role in the “why” on following this scenario. It would also answer the “why” on lack of people talking / evidence. I have heard the term “2-bit criminals” used, but that is not who these people are. This scenario would / does also connect other cases in this area. For the timing portion, my opinion if this was what happened then these criminals did not have knowledge of Suzie planning on staying the night elsewhere. Lucky she was there. MOO: there is evidence that is suppressed from the gag orders (and trips out of state). The other conclusion is these are diversions or covering up the mishandling.
Scenario 2: Lone Perp. For this scenario, I believe we would have to conclude this was / is a serial criminal / killer. The access to and from the location (as mentioned) is easy. Timing would be irrelevant if perp stalked from party. Or, perp could have stalked house and knew vehicles, and waited until vehicle arrived. LDH would be more of a suspect than RCC would be MOO. LDH mentioned / offered up information voluntarily and stated “Mark Twain National Forest”. Which means he is familiar with the area, as well as how isolated the MTNF is. We also know his connection to Battlefield, MO. I am unfamiliar with the how / where the investigation with him stands on this case, but for a single / double perp MOO would investigate here.
MOO, the personality of the criminal(s) needs to fit what evidence (and lack thereof) and situation / environment we have.