http://abcnews.go.com/US/mystery-surrounds-death-14-year-girl-found-texas/story?id=48237962
I am getting the impression that her parents really thought she was with a particular person, and LE focused efforts there. If so, as you said, we don't know that they were wrong.. according to this article, anyway.
It was noted previously that her parents had the name of that person, but not the address. I think the way its written in the article is a bit confusing, but it seems to imply that the person her parents suspected she was with also lived in Bedford, but in a different apt complex (?) But yes, I agree with you and think her parents had concerns about the particular friend. My mind is saying that would be a boy she was not supposed to be with. But that's pure parental speculation.
Later in this article it states:
"The Bedford Police Department has partnered with the Arlington Police Department, federal agencies and a local school district in an effort to solve the death mystery."
No idea what to make of this. But it seems meaningful in some way that they are partnering with feds and the school district. Any thoughts?