If it was a crime scene as soon as LE showed up, or I assume it was - considering what has been said about the signs that instigated a call to homicide, is it possible someone with LE had one of "Debra M.'s" business cards in his/her car and left it behind as they exited the property (after searching) with the thought that NG might come back and see the card and seek help (if help was required). A convoluted theory for sure, but I don't see how some rando (APS employee) could have approached the house when it was cordoned off as a possible crime scene. OTOH, the sheriff says the neighbor called it in, but again, how was Debra M. able to access the area?
It is odd.
But it's my understanding that at this time (Sunday, February 1) the first ransom communication had not been received.
JMO/IMO
ETA: On Sunday they didn't know she had been kidnapped. I'm sure LE sees all kinds of situations, including elderly folks who get involved with other elderly folks who could take advantage of the person and mistreat the person. They had no idea where she might have gone so is it possible they could they have considered all possibilities and wondered if she had left with a male suitor.
IMO/JMO/And just random convoluted ideas/theories.