I had lunch with a couple of friends who have extensive experience interviewing people. They had some insights about what is likely going on. They too have been following this. They made these points:
- The police moved in to arrest Mr Lynn because of concerns about his mental health. They have stated this. That complicates the interview, because police have a duty of care towards anyone in their custody which makes them all the more cautious if the person has some medical or psychological condition. Presumably, the police would have taken advice on Mr Lynn's mental health and it was that advice which generated their concerns and led to the arrest. So, if Mr Lynn is psychologically distressed, that can prolong the period of time he is in custody before charge or release.
- The police will be trying to discover and resolve any inconsistency or unreasobableness in explanations Mr Lynn has given. For instance, he claims not to have met or seen Mr Hill or Ms Clay. If they can establish a forensic link then that claim seems untrue. Similarly, did Mr Lynn leave the valley in the dead of night? Why? [He might claim that there was another exact same 4WD in the valley, but then the cctv up and down the highways leading to the entry road may make that unreasonable.]
- Why did he repaint his 4WD? What did he do with his trailer?
- There will also be the purchase of fuel and other purchases, cell phone data, not only ot the sites but the phone itself, and if he has a gps that was recording his movements. Nothing is ever really deleted of those devices. Even things like fitbits can provide useful data.
Putting all this before the person being interviewed can take a lot of time (the Police Commissioner was alluding to that).
- Then there are the campers missing drone (and some reports say, phones). Again, devices sometimes talk to each other and leave digital "handshakes". This can show proximity and time and sometimes even location.
The police clearly think they are on a winner. But if he sticks to his story, and in the absence of information that contradicts it, he may not be prosecuted or even charged.
The tragedy of this is sobering, but the dedication of the police is also reassuring, IMHO.