My #1 theory is a stalking, targeting SM. This does somewhat fit w/ in the victim continuum risk assessment. SM is basically a low risk victim , until you throw in the long solo bike rides. I haven’t watched the videos,lately, so allow me to to just say this is a working theory.
However, I try not to have tunnel vision, so I do attempt to be open to other members’ posts.
@kay74 does bring up some interesting points. The one that caught my attention was her drifter from out of state.
Most of us remember the days before national data bases, and how criminals used this to their advantage, Ted Bundy comes to mind.
I’ve assumed the FBI does oversee the interstate cases, and I am sure there is more sharing of info between different jurisdictions than in the not so good old days.
Before I put the totally random stranger abduction, on the back burner, I pursued similar cases, utilizing the Charley Project, simply because I was more familiar with it. My intention was to next go to NAMUS, Jane Doe, but it is time consuming. 20 + states and paused.
I discovered many old cold cases similar to SMs, so the event is NOT as rare as we would like it to be. I found some of the saddest stories, of other disappearances.
I did narrow it down to current similar cases.
One stands out for me, I’ll try to hit the high points and my memory may be imperfect but close enough for working theory.
Holly Alcott White, Taos New Mexico, 52 years old?, 2017. She and her husband were in process of moving, husband and she talked the night before, by phone. He was already at their new location.
She vanished on day she was to leave town, her car was located in parking lot of Royal Gorge Bridge, a landmark and tourist attraction.
Husband, of course was primary suspect, and eventually cleared, although it took time.
Her physical resemblance to SM is interesting. Further she would have been low risk as we conclude SM is.
However, several things may have changed that. She was leaving a position, that may have been publicized, giving her higher visibility, more risk.
She also may have been getting rid of things, due to the move, and that could factor in.
Total random predator, could fit in with someone who is using tourist areas to blend in and “stalk” victims. RVs blend in smoothly in these areas. It’s also important to note the proximity of these two cases, if this is a regionally based predator...
There is a third case, but I need to refresh my memory on that case, suffice it to say, for now, this lady disappeared in CO.
IMO our case involves someone more locally based, acquainted with Suzanne, who has been stalking her or the daughters for a while.
Statistically MOO, is that majority of cold cases are those committed by people so far down on the suspect list, they get overlooked, or they were never on it.
I am not by any means trying to imply SMs case IS a cold case, by no means or definition. I AM saying that reviewing cold cases can be helpful in solving current cases, and solving current cases sometimes leads to solving cold cases. DNA can be a remarkable tool.