City folk and country folk are two different animals. Apples and oranges. They don't act or react the same because they come from two different worlds. There is a sense of safety in the country without all the hustle and bustle and noise of the city. You don't expect bad things to happen here and when they do, you are shocked.
Reading through this thread, I am reminded of little Cupcake's mother. She didn't speak to reporters as Cupcake's father did and that caused quite a stir on SM. LE had asked her not to and she was doing what they advised. She spoke out only after the arrest of her daughter's murderers.
It's so easy to judge when you haven't walked a mile in someone's shoes.
I know that I would be raked over the coals if I were ever in this situation because I have intense social anxiety. Being in the spotlight for any reason would be torment. I would shut down, not because I care what anyone thinks, but because I can't cope any other way. It wouldn't mean I was guilty of anything or that I didn't love my child. Of course I would want to do everything I could to help find my child, but a person in a wheelchair can't get up and walk just because they want to. I wouldn't have a choice, but most people would not understand it and would come up with their own reasons for my behavior.
This is how the brain works. When provided with incomplete information, it fills in the blanks with it's own ideas. It naturally wants to connect the dots.
Sorry to ramble. I have no idea what happened to Summer or if anyone might be to blame. I just pray for her and for those who love her and for the best possible outcome.