AJ isn't a criminal. Leaving home is not a crime, especially at 18 which is adult status.
Even for a minor teen, running away is not a crime in Virginia.
And, everything that has transpired has been completely out of her control in regard to the actions of JH, WH, the media etc.
Even the NPD, they have been doing what was needed in response to leads, behaviors of others as a result of that initial report so and so on. Once it was on file, they had to follow through with anything and everything.
Bolded above: I feel that the NPD would honor such a request from AJ as long as they could confirm it was in fact her. The *missing person report* would be cancelled along with any other alerts out there (Virginia State Police and anywhere else). I cannot imagine them doing anything else.
In situations with the runaway teens I worked with, reports were cancelled all the time once the teen returned home. There were also times the reports were cancelled once contact with the teen had been reestablished by a parent and the parent agreed to some other living arrangement.
Adult AJ would not have to return home. And, NPD would not get involved or interfere with AJ's wishes to stay away temporarily or actually reside elsewhere.
These would all be legal decisions by AJ.
Now, keep in mind that I cannot speak for the NPD.
But, everything I've stated here stems from my knowledge of how it all works.
And, I would encourage AJ to contact the police and go there and make such requests to bring all of this to an end.
Now, you mentioned earlier how the media coverage is predominately very local. It is. And, IF AJ is actually away from this area or in another state; she might not have any idea how HUGE all of this has become.