I do think it was someone from the area that knew Tom. Maybe Tom was mooching money from the guy, never paying it back and he came to collect or perhaps the killer was borrowing from Tom and the well ran dry so to speak with Tom refusing this time. Maybe the killer had a drug problem and thought Tom, son of two doctors, could provide his next fix.
I mean the reason for the killing could be something as illogical as that. Kids can also let a grudge build up until it boils over.
The coat may have been a disguise but it was in March (still winter). The man in the overcoat may not even exist. We aren't even sure the killer entered through the front door.
This case makes me feel like we are right on top of something but just can't pinpoint it.
If this was someone who knew Tom, but didn't know him well, they probably wouldn't even know there was a cleaning lady and would have expected Tom to be home alone after school. Tom may have been expecting him and that is why he was in the dining room and not downstairs on his computer.
I wonder if we'll ever know what really happened that day.
I wonder the same thing YD. You may be correct with your theory re: The perp thinking Tom was home alone. If this is the case, then Shirlee was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I still think the perp was tracking Tom thru his online gaming. Here is my theory....Tom returns home from school, ready to chill and wind down before he begins his homework. this is his usual routine every day. Also, he plays on the same 'team' each afternoon. Some of the team members identities aren't known to Tom but some are, because playing at this time of day would make sense that his friends play, as well as High School kids who probably are dismissed at the same time as middle school students.(based on knowledge of our local school schedules.)
One of the unknown team members Tom was playing with was communicating with the perp because every day at the same time, Tom played this game upon returning home. Tom paused the game to go have his snack before starting his homework. (Boys his age are
starving when they get home from school.) I feel the perps knew his routine and this would explain the dark man in the silver SUV reportedly talking on his mobile, starting and stopping. Whoever was on the other end of that phone conversation informed the man in the SUV when Tom paused the game to go upstairs and eat his snack, so he knew Tom would be upstairs at this time and thought it would be an easy 'in and out'.....but Shirlee was there, which complicated things.
However, my 'gut' tells me that Shirlee's movements may have been tracked the days preceeding the murders. This is why I have questions about 'was this Shirlee's regular day' to work for the Hunters or was she putting in some extra hours during Claire Hunter's absence? Regardless, the perp somehow seemed to know a good time to strike and Shirlee may have been considered 'collateral damage'. Sorry I had to type that.
Another scenario, would be what you suggested....That Tom may have been expecting this person, for whatever reason. If so, then perhaps he felt intimidated or uneasy about this visit and scheduled it at a time when he knew Shirlee was at the home for safety reasons.
However, I do strongly feel that more than one person may be involved and I now think the persons are younger in age. This is based on my novice profiling of the evidence we have......
1)Columbine/ goth style of dress, ie, long coat. Based on knowledge from the young Columbine perps they dressed in long coats to commit the massacre. For some reason, I think this style of dress projects a false sense of power and importance and incognito, but JMO.
2)Honda CRV. This would be a perfect family auto to pass along to a child
when they turn 16 and receive their license. Again JMO. This vehicle is also popular for transporting a family dog. I googled 'target demographic for Honda CRV' here's a link.....
http://www.cargodogs.com/2008/01/2008-honda-crv.htm
I wonder if any stray dog hairs were found in OPD's forensic investigation?
Another question I have is where exactly did Dr. Hunter find Shirlee's body? We know she was reportedly found 'by the stairs' but there is nothing published stating if her body was found upstairs or down. Previous news articles states that Dr. H found Shirlee's body first, by the stairs, but doesn't stipulate on which level. Maybe this is something that LE is keeping close. I know from personal experience when returning from work, I would immediately call out "I'm home!", but walk a beeline to my BR to 'change hats' for the day. So is this line of questioning out of line if the H's BR was upstairs?
I have many more thoughts but must close because I have unexpected company who just came to visit. This is a long post anyway. But at least some points to ponder for now. More later.
I am wishing a happy Father's Day to all of our Dad's who post here.
wm
