Okay.
Here is one scenario:
For about a year, RFG wanted to get rid of the data. In the weeks before RFG disappeared, Bellefonte had a rash of car break-ins.
RFG is planning to spend the weekend with someone, maybe a lover, maybe just someone he wants to some time with, I'll call ML ("Maybe Lover"). He does not want to tell PEF. He's going to meet ML in Lewisburg.
RFG realizes that Lewisburg is a great place to toss the drive. He get to Lewisburg early, pulls the drive, and tosses it. He meets ML later in the day on 4/15.
RFG remembers the break-ins and takes the laptop with him. He tells ML that he tossed the drive in the river. They go off for the weekend.
Something happens, there is an argument, and ML kills RFG. ML hides the body, but forgets about the laptop.
ML spots the laptop a few days or weeks later. ML sees that it has a county tag on it and knows if will connect ML with RFG. ML also remembers that RFG said he tossed the drive in the river.
ML, probably at night, drives to Lewisburg, crosses the bridge, slows and tosses the laptop.
That is one scenario.