Now that's an interesting theory! If so I wonder who?
While I don't think he;s dead because Richmond has alot cheap ,Dirty cheap hotels on the southside and northside of town some as low 28$ a night.
If he went from dc to Richmond . I have heard a wild rumor his cellphone pinged in Gilpin court ( local news) which is the historic Jackward ward area, RHAA housing projects is the majority of that area as far as home's go. It not for the faint hearted in that area, strangers get shot the majority of the time. Meaning he would have with 100% purity of life to know someone, if he went to that area. Those guy don't play in the area, when it comes down to are you from around here. highest murder and assault area in Richmond next to south side area.
Its very dangerous at night and evening hours you cant go in to that area if you don't know anyone even the police have a buddy system. But a lot of opened abandon homes in the view and cheap hotels in a drop shoot ,dive or bus ride. walking in the area right up the block is a 35-40$ a night hotel.
I think he is moving alot because the highway is right in the area to be honest. One / two turns it on the highway.. south is the move for him any thing south because of fast highway excess,a cheap route would be through the Hampton roads area. anything else is wide open to be caught. Because we have a lot tolls here.
But to answer your question people who do child sells mostly get double crossed by the buyer. illegal activity's honor among criminals has changed. They want money and the product now.100% profit an power
But I think he is alive and girl is alive( hopefully), they need to search the hotels in the Richmond area. Because you cant get a hotel/motel stay without a id and a name sign with picture photo. the majority have camera's because the area history of criminal activity. Also there no vistors rules in the majority of them,. all company has to be seen before they enter.
As far if he hid her in Gilpin court area. he is going to have know someone and with 70k$ on his head him all over the news , He /they will be found ,if he/ they is here. For a area that bad the community do care. Because a lot kids play out there. The drugs pusher or bad criminals guys dont like men to mess with lil kids period, because alot of them have kids.
So if he is dead its very very high chance . But my thoughts thinks he is alive just laying low some where on the cheap. Its not hard to find some here but they have to move.