I don't think it's a big deal she had his number. I find it strange that the neighbor told the news about the conversation. If it happened that way, I would have reported it to LE but not spoken to the news. But that is just me. Some people have no qualms about telling the news anything and everything. Some people are eager for their 15 minutes of fame no matter how they get it. Then there is the small segment of people who would go on the news just to get their side of the story out there before anyone else does. I'm not accusing the neighbors of anything but I do think the reactions of the officer who gave the press conference when asked about the neighbor's story may be a piece of this puzzle. IMO he was not pleased to answer questions about the neighbors' statements and seemed to be very careful when he answered. If this is a case where LE suspects suicide or a mental breakdown would they be so concerned about the details of the neighbor's conversation getting out? I'm not sure.
I hear what you're saying, and you've worded it well. Good explanation of your thoughts.
However, myself, I still don't attach THAT particular interpretation to it. I doubt if the neighbors sought out the news media on their own.
I could be wrong, but I see it more of a situation where the news media turned up in the neighborhood. Maybe even going door-to-door to try to get some first-person comments about Timothy.
If so, we don't know what the specific questions were, but I would imagine the neighbors were asked when was the last time they saw or spoke to Timothy, and what did he say? Did he say anything remarkable, memorable, or odd?
I believe many people want to be helpful in an investigation. So if the neighbor's husband was asked that by a reporter, I can easily see him replying off the cuff, that YES, he saw Timothy the day before he disappeared and Timothy did say something odd. He told him to tell his wife to delete his phone number in her phone.
Though it may not have been wise to talk to the media, I can see why he would answer that way if his main concern was WHY would Timothy not be needing his number anymore?
Maybe the neighbor didn't get a chance to ask Timothy to elaborate. Timothy may have tossed the comment at him while he was getting in his automobile to leave.
I keep thinking if the neighbor was upset about his wife having Timothy's number, the neighbor would have made every effort to clarify it with Timothy as soon as he could. Most men would! I can't imagine letting that go if he had any doubts about his wife and Timothy.
But it is my belief that the neighbor was only repeating the comment because he wondered why Timothy would no longer be needing his phone number.
I don't see it as the neighbors trying to get attention. I think they were genuinely wanting to help.
As for LE, yes I saw the flinching reaction at the press conference. That too was not a slam dunk regarding a questionable relationship, in my opinion.
I saw it more that they didn't appreciate the question because it was a part of their investigation. Not because the neighbor's wife had Timothy's phone number, but because it revealed ( to me ) that he may likely have mental health issues.
I doubt if LE wanted that out there to the public. They want to be in control of what is released. And when.
This is all my opinion only. I may be wrong. But I just don't get the automatic assumption that something is rotten about this specifically.
I do feel certain the neighbors wish they had never opened their mouths. I bet they would agree with you now too. They should only have spoken with LE about this...
JMO
