The only possible explanation I can think of, is a cadaver dog detected scent of human remains somewhere... maybe one of the cars? But then why tow all three? And why still have the AA active but ground/grid search canceled? The only explanation I can think of for THAT, is they have limited resources and if they already know she's dead, they're waiting for a tip that says someone saw one of there vehicles at such and such a place at such and such time of night so they can direct said limited sources in the right direction. What do you think?
I agree the lack of continued outdoor searching is telling. Apparently they have reason to conclude she's not languishing outside alone somewhere. So I'm thinking they're either concluding she's dead, or she's alive but somewhere (and with someone?) else. Safe from the elements, though not safe.
Was the woman seen hurrying away from the house with the bundle in her 'sash'
the mother? Has that been stated for sure? (Sorry, can't keep up with all the articles on this.) If so, and IF mother is a nurse, could she have possibly *relocated* an alive or
injured daughter rather than a dead one? Might SM be hidden indoors somewhere? I know it's quite a loooong stretch, but I'm trying to conjure up any way in which this little one might still be alive.
I'm doubtful if trafficking was involved here, though have to also admit I've seen nothing to take that option off the table, yet. Maybe the dad's less-incriminating 'child endangerment' story involving bad parental discipline practices and possibly coyotes carrying her off was a bizarre tactic of trying to make his account more believable (thus avoiding a true story about humans carrying her off?)
One thing seems true...either his incredible story is bizarrely true (with language and cultural barriers adding to the confusion), or he's purposely incriminating himself in a 'lesser' way (endangerment) possibly to divert/sidestep LE investigating a much more serious crime (manslaughter, murder, trafficking). The latter option seems more believable, but time will tell.