The biggest thing that leads my mind in that direction is that people with loving families and friends don't generally disappear voluntarily for this long without contacting someone. There have been a couple of exceptions such as the runaway bride, but she resurfaced in a week.IMO LE knows more than what they are saying. It hurts to even type this, but I don't think this is going to be a happy ending. Too many things don't add up.
jmo