MO.
Here some random info to generate discussion.
I did some research on this truck that had the tracker on it.
I believe the warrant had a vin number on it and I worked backwards from that to start. Later, I could not retrieve that info. IIRC, the very original owner was a family owning a farm in the Northern middle part of the state. I believe remember the last name or the name loosely associated with the farm, but I can not post it here. It is against TOS and, as you all know, sometimes my memory is faulty!
Here is a websleuths link about that discussion:
GUILTY - OH Pike Co., 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue, 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested #60
^^ Does anyone have a copy of the original warrant? ^^
Regarding your first question, I remember JM making that statement. But I believe he said he purchased the vehicle from Dana, and was there to make a payment. I don't recall anything about it being registered to DR, but he could have said that too. DR did advertise and sell vehicles, so I believe she would have kept up to date on the paperwork.
MO. It is very common in Southern Ohio for ordinary people ( not authorized car sales ) to borrow, trade, purchase vehicles in private transactions without bothering to do any paperwork, no registration change, etc. Very common.
I think that happened at some point with this red truck.