IMO LE does not want to use the term "suspect" unless they are ready to arrest and file charges. If they label someone a suspect, then the public will naturally demand an arrest and LE would be compelled to make that arrest. If the person is already in custody, they'll still have to file charges on a timely basis. And IF the person is already in custody, there is absolutely no rush to file charges until they have all the information they need to be sure they can prosecute successfully. So RL's sentence on unrelated charges is quite convenient for LE.
So IMO each time LE says RL "has not been named a suspect" or "is not a suspect at this time" they are leaving the door open for that changing in the future.
Meanwhile it is absolutely respectful and kind to RL if it turns out they do not ever name him a suspect, this limits the damage to his reputation. I believe any of us would hope for the same respect and kindness if we were in a similar situation.
Below is a citation regarding what most jurisdictions have to do once someone is arrested:
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-rights/how-long-may-police-hold-suspects-before-charges-must-be-filed.html
"The Right to a Speedy Trial: The Constitution and State Time Limits
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed to criminal defendants by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A "speedy trial” basically means that the defendant must be tried for the alleged crimes within a reasonable time after being arrested. Although arrestees cannot be held without formal charges for an unreasonable amount of time, the Constitution does not spell out what this time is. Instead, these are typically set forth by state law, and the time period differs from state to state.
As a general rule, however, if you are placed in custody, your "speedy trial" rights typically require the prosecutor to decide within 72 hours which charges, if any, will be filed. Many states adhere to this 72-hour limit.
The U.S. Supreme Court explains that this protects defendants from serving lengthy jail times before a conviction. Speedy trial rights also lessen the time that the accused must endure the anxiety and publicity of an impending trial, and minimize the damage that delay might cause to the person's ability to present a defense."