I agree. The poly isn't the "end game" as many would have us believe. It's simply a tool....and when I got to thinking, I started considering some LE tactics, and I'm just throwing this out there to see what others think:
There is a task force, and IMO, it would consist of someone from the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit...at the very least, if not directly assigned to the task force, there would be someone available to consult on this case.
MR behavior is not "unusual" in terms of what the profilers from the BAU see routinely. The question is, how do they "handle" this personality type? We may actually be seeing some of their strategy playing out:
The mysterious fishing pole....one is coincidentally found and discounted.
The dog hits....mysteriously discounted. (Brush?? comon)
The "Last Electronic Communication (texting)"....confusing in itself, in light of when that information was released and the "fuzzy" nature of the wording.
LE's own "nonchalance" regarding the case. (mimicking the possible POI's behavior?)
Their "tolerance" and "no comment" attitude about the rising pressure on MR from the community...as if to condone those acts, (which usually isn't done).
I think this list could be much longer...Anyone?
One of the best ways to deal with someone like MR is to do exactly what they do...Divert, Distract, Deflect. Keep them off balance. If they attempt to "lead" the investigation with "clues"...discount those clues. When they attempt to confuse issues, confuse them. So on and so on....
I see strategy at work here....
(I hope)