Well, I have 3 theories.
The first is of course the elephant in the room, and that doesn't look good.
Second, someone wanted revenge or to frame the elephant, and he does make a good target with past and present behavior. Criminals don't typically have the best of characters hanging around. The whole birds of a feather flock together....
Third, AJ decided to leave on her own, and it's possible. It's also possible to voluntarily have a plan to leave, but something happens you weren't prepared for. It's not uncommon for teens to go someone for Spring Break with a group of friends or a special friend, but we've not really seen any evidence that this was to occur and her core group of friends seem to have no idea where she is.
I've noticed most SM of core friends is rather calm to what it was the first few days of her disappearance. Not sure if that is due to the their fear, if LE asked them to tone it or not speak, their using another SM that isn't visible to us, they are all exhausted mentally and physically and don't know what to do, etc. I don't see anything that has thrown up any huge red flags among her friends, so I truly believe they are missing their friend and are scared.
AJ needs a voice and NOW! Either Mom, ZH, aunt, uncle, cousin, someone needs to step up as spokesperson and soon to keep this in the media and publics view. People's attention span is so short that they'll soon be focused on something else or another missing person, and AJ will be lost.
While we've sleuthed thousands of missing person cases, most families have not, and don't have have a clue how to proceed. Most have difficulty just putting one foot in front of the other in such a crisis.
Local media groups are the best bet for getting the correct information out there, and keeping AJ's face and name in the public's mind!! Don't go with just anyone that contacts wanting to do an interview. Some have motives that aren't good. Trust the local media!! If a national media group wants an interview, WONDERFUL!! The broader their media reaches the better!! But any individual without credentials as a true reporter, don't listen to them, don't speak to them!!!
MANY places like Office Max, Office Supply, Staples, and local printing shops will typically print the flyers for free, and some will do banners, magnets for vehicles etc. One great way to get the flyers out there is to head to a parking lot and put them on every vehicle parked there! Many won't see a flyer on a light pole, and many don't pay attention to ones hung in stores. That was shown on an investigative program once. Missing child was playing at the play ground with flyers all around of him missing, and not a single person reported seeing the child playing right there beside the flyers!!! Get those flyers in the people's hands!!! MAKE them see AJ's face!!
Sam's club, Walmart, Food Lion, and local vendors will typically donate food, water, gatorade, etc for searches. Those can be asked for even if the searches are for LE only! If local, call and ask LE what they need for their searchers!
IF LE will accept outside help, get some search and rescue groups in there. LE might not need the help right now if they have enough man power, finances, etc. But can't hurt to ask. Typically that request MUST come from family!! Most groups will NOT come in without LE and Family asking!!! Most search and rescue groups will reach out to the community and ask for volunteers. They'll have each volunteer sign in, show identification, and then are sent out with a trained searcher. They'll give specific instructions on what to do if you think you find something of interest. As in DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! Don't tweet about it, don't instagram it, etc. Notify the trained searcher who will mark it, and call it in.
Prayer vigils, like the softball team did help keep this in the media!! Important that the community not forget!!
And it would be wonderful if LE would give a press update!!! Their word holds much more weight, and let's the public know they are still on the case, and for anyone to report anything they have seen or heard.
My prayers continue for AJ and her loved ones. Wish I was closer to help, but sharing her missing flyer and sleuthing here is all I can do from this distance.
