My statement is based on a comment by a local anchor reporting on the 1st anniversery.
LPD has stated specificly that they do not believe any abduction or hand off theory. This leaves no theory that has Trenton alive.
While MCSO did say "Melinda is capable of anything." they do consider theorys that might have Trenton alive.
MURT
You are right that without a hand off or abduction, there is only one alternative. Actually, though, I think the theory that Melinda is capable of anything but that there is some possibility of a hand off might be more realistic.
As I have said before it is easier to hide a body than a living child. I would have thought she would have left a trail. But reading back through old message boards from someone saying they were Cara, it seems Melinda was a person who could and did keep secrets even from those who thought they were closest to her.
If she handed Trenton off outside her known circle and didn't talk there is a possibility she could have pulled it off. There are questions I have that are so far not answered, such as why Melinda got the notary seal and was trying to get money from friends the week before Trenton's abduction. Plus it seems she was talking about sending him away.
I don't think he ended up in S. Korea. I am not sure if he was given away that whoever he was given to didn't do the worst when the case became national and being caught with Trenton might lead to more trouble than his holder wanted to bother with.
Fortunately though, I think while all of LE agrees on the basic premise of Melinda being responsible and each have theories they favor, I think leads toward any and every option are still being investigated.
This case is about a child and I think those that have been with the case from the beginning are committed, that they care and that they will stick with it.
JMO