If it's true that the dead perp was a type of family friend, boyfriend of a friend, then the little girl may have received the subliminal message that he was approved, which made her let down her guard against going for rides with strangers, etc. How powerful that "acceptance", at friends' gatherings, etc must have (could have) been. Just speculating here. Looking back I do remember friends of my parents, the men, being so smiley and a little pushy. Not saying any of them made "advances" towards me. Just kind of yucky gushing. Now, imagine if that were taking place these days at a friendly multi family gathering with the man in question allegedly being the ex or present chief of police. Imagine the vibes of respect that man would surely receive. And how the kids would all automatically respect the individual....no matter what he suggested to them.