I just find this whole case and the seeming inactivity baffling. Could just be the diferences in US vs Canadian LE practices tho.
So how about this for random, totally-uneducated-opinion:
Dustin & Dustin are partners. Dustin L. has a drug problem, and this is why he has lost so much weight and his appearance is so haggard. They have some really shady connections and Dustin L. has gotten beaten up on occasion (the previous hospital visit.) Since it's drug-related, he's going to have a cover story.
On the fateful night, Dustin L. is beaten near-death, and Dustin P. drops him off to get help so he won't die - and takes off to save his own butt, knowing that whomever got Dustin L. will be after him, too.
Perhaps the family either truly believes Dustin P. is to blame, or want to pin it on him due to not accepting their son/brother is gay. They want Dustin to get the best care and those responsible brought to justice - but might be hiding a few things about him to enhance his public "image."
What I can't necessarily place in this hypothesis is the noises heard by the neighbors. And of course not to overlook the testimony, but my gut says it's not the instigating event here.
There's a blog out there with some interesting comments - but I can't recall if linking to blogs is acceptable or not. I googled "Dustin Paxton" and did some reading on the top hits.
(Everything in this post is OPINION.)
ETA: I guess I didn't really need to quote you on that, tlcox, but I'm still learning the ways around here.
