I am looking at all the different theories about what happened to NG. While most seem possible and even plausible, the kidnapping angle does not always quite fit: The relatively late ransom demand, no proof of life, no further communication, no “body” reward claimed (yet), as far as we know, etc..
Furthermore, the appearance of “Lantana Man” on the 2 videos is borderline amateurish, as many have stated. I understand he was able to pull off, whatever his intention was. And yet, we have a workable image of him. It did not seem to bother him, as he was obscured and possibly deemed himself safe. He uses plant material -after looking for something else on the ground to use- to cover the cam lens while seemingly trying to remove the cam. The plant material therefore does not seem to have been part of a plan. He did not bring anything else.
Then we were given a second image of Lantana Man, now without backpack. We are told he came back on two different days/nights, which would include Saturday (1/31) and Sunday(2/01).
Was the entire operation well preplanned? What was the intention of the operation and did it include the kidnapping of NG?
The removal of the bell cam and the use of plant material for cover seems to contradict a plan IMO. This seems like an ad hoc step and an unnecessary risk, unless it was important to the suspect. Why?
The key to unlock this case has to correspond with the key of the suspect locking this case. This case is either complicated to solve or it is simple and yet complex. My opinion of course.
My first theory included religious overtones, as you may recall. Somewhat complicated and yet linear “facts” possible to be solved. Here is my other theory. Simple beginning ending in complexity, emerging parts and difficult to solve:
-Again, AIMO of course-
NG went to dinner at AG’s and TC’s house on Saturday, 01/31, at around 17:32. She was dropped off back at her house and enters through the garage door, which opens that evening at around 21:48 according to the timeline. The garage door closes at around 21:50.
The intruder -no car- arrives at NG’s house (did he watch her leave? Were the other houses occupied or they had dogs?) while NG is still out (between sunset and 21:48) inspects the house and enters the front porch. He checks for lights or movement inside the house (left side panel) and notices the bell cam to the right. He is looking for something to cover the camera lens while possibly trying to gain access through the front door. He uses plant material to cover the cam. The plant material does not work, he aborts his efforts and enters the house via (open? Or unlocked? Or locked?) previously visually inspected back (sliding?) door. In order to do that, he might have had to destroy some floodlight(s) first (if any were still functional). He may have had to access the roof and stump on those lights or a light, pending on which lights were still operable (some may have been broken previously by some roof workers?). That’s why he tried the front porch door first. The cam made him change plans.
He is now inside the house and unpacks bags in his backpack (?). He is looking for valuables. It is close to the time now NG would return. At around 21:50 NG enters the home and gets ready for bed. The intruder is still inside the house, possibly hiding in the bedroom (most likely place to find money, jewelry, safe?). At some point they run into each other. NG gets gravely injured. The intruder either shot NG (noise?) or injured her in a way that would leave evidence on her. NG may have survived that initial attack.The intruder leaves in panic and gets his car (and help?). The car has tarp on the back seat or inside the trunk.
They (singular or plural) enter through the initial access in the back of the house, clean up the scene and remove the front porch bell cam from the inside of the house. NG may still be alive or not any longer, when they carry her out to the car. They leave with NG.
While the initial plan was burglary, it changed quickly when NG and the intruder ran into each other. At that point the intruder either decides to send ransom demands, so it looks like NG is still alive or he hands her over to another group ( which would be equal to paying them?), who are working on the ransom demand. NG’s body would have been taken care of by now in a way that would ensure she would never be discovered.
Once that additional ransoms demands appeared (?), the media explodes and no ransom is paid, a change of plan occurs. The risk is too high. SG now offers additional $ for the recovery of NG. Since NG is unrecoverable (your imagination?) no claim is made.
Thoughts?
ALL IMO
-Nin
