In terms of the computer, Kroll could not retrieve
data, but might have retrieved information, such as a time went the drive was tossed, the last time it was activated, or if it was erased prior to tossing. All that could help.
Wow, seeing it all outlined like that shows how quickly LE really did move on this case. Also being from Philly, it almost makes me suspicious as to why they moved SO quickly! lol.
What if it were Lynn Abraham?
There were a number of factors. Mr. Gricar was the DA for 20 years (and with the office for five years before that) and would be known to the local police.
Ms. Fornicola was the niece of the former mayor of Bellefonte (and a prominent business owner known as "Mr. Bellefonte") and the first cousin Centre County Treasurer (who has the same last name. I've understood that she was also a former probation or parole officer, aside from being, at the time, a current employee of the DA's Office. She was also a lifelong resident of Bellefonte. She was someone known to the local police as well.
Had this been Ray Gricar, wills and estates attorney, and Patty Smith, they
may have said, "Come back in 36 hours."
I'll add that you have to remember that Bellefonte has less than 7,000 people and the police officer that took the initial call was hired way back when Gino Fornicola (Ms. Fornicola's then deceased uncle) was mayor.
Also, other than the APB, no real search began until mid morning on 4/16/05.