I have a question we haven't spoken much about (at least not recently - possibly discussed while I was offline for a couple months at the beginning of this year).
The following is ALL speculation and revolves around the assumption that MR is in some way responsible for DR's disappearance. I fully respect that others may not believe that to be likely, but for the purposes of these questions, that is what I am using as the likely scenario.
Even if DR is found in the lake, what about searching for a crime scene if something happened outside the home?
As MR continuously points out (rather strangely) the "fishing pole has never been found". I have wondered if the reason he keeps mentioning that is if - for instance - he perhaps hid the fishing pole somewhere close to his home, and delights in the fact that it hasn't been found. Sort of like a taunt to the police, or to others in the vein of "You haven't even found the fishing pole, and yet you want to suggest I had something to do with this?" (Note - that was not a quote of anything MR has said, it's a hypothetical statement as to what MR could be thinking.) His emphasis on the pole itself was especially apparent on the DP show and would go along with the interaction between CR and MR in regard to the fishing pole being noticed gone, and MR questioning why anyone would "...need law enforcement when we have you two" (direct quote from DP show). It struck me as a way to suggest that LE was somehow inept, or that ER and CR were the only ones with questions. As ER pointed out to him in regard to whether he went to DR's friends houses or not when she said, "Don't you think they've checked these things out?"
I know that I am doing a bit of mind-reading here, but it would make sense if in MR's mind the LPCSO, and CBI (and FBI) were incompetent. He has already accused (whichever agency administered the Polygraph) of using a non-qualified, incompetent analyst. (I would love to hear eventually that all this time the LE actually had said fishing pole, and kept that to themselves...).
I would also wonder about the backpack with "all of his belongings" in it that hasn't been found either. MR however, doesn't make a point of saying that the backpack hasn't been found, so that would indicate to me - in this hypothetical scenario - that he knows that the backpack and belongings are much better hidden, or have been otherwise destroyed.
Like I said though -- ALL of the above is speculation, and isn't intended to disregard others opinions of other likely scenarios.
I'm hoping there will be more searches now that the weather is warmer that might center on finding the fishing pole and backpack, and a possible crime scene apart from the lake or MR's home.
If at all possible, I think CR should discuss getting some searches started on foot when the weather clears in order to really check out the paths, and areas right around MR's home. Especially in areas that he has known his Dad to perhaps frequent. I cannot remember if it was ever confirmed that MR had an ATV or not, but I think it would be a good idea to search those trails and surrounding areas after the snow melts as well. Even if going by foot, it would be easier to stay on an ATV trail in the dark, vs. a footpath.
As always, all of the above is speculation and MOO! :cow:
I know people (in general) are tired of re-hashing the same old stuff, so in order to focus on things that might help us to secure the truth, and justice for DR, I do think that searches for his belongings, and a crime scene might be a good idea. Either before, or after, the search of the Lake.