It is important to remember that Elizabeth Smart was taken to another town(s) in Utah; I think over 27 miles away. There is also lots of old abandoned outhouses,slave-quarters, etc in rural Louisiana; it would be very hard (but needed) for LE to go check out every seemingly old abandoned additions to people's homes down here.
slowlybutshelly, the abductor/s could not be sure that the incident wasn't witnessed, nor did they know that it would be several hours before LE would be investigating her disappearance.
Imo if a person is going to drive 30 miles to dispose of a bicycle to prevent being caught with it in their possession, then they may drive even further to dispose of a victim.
The comment or claim of an abandoned dually white truck, with a dented hood, being hauled in on the wrecker is very curious, if true. The proximity of Lake Charles and the lack of a follow up comment by the poster is puzzling.