Just an idea
Although I believe Maura being met with foul play as the most likely scenario, I can’t get this conspiracy theory out of my mind. Perhaps because I would rather her be alive and this being one of the only scenarios I can think of that would allow for that.
What if Maura joined an intelligence agency? I know it sounds wild but let me share what runs through my brain with this theory.
She was the perfect candidate: excelled academically and physically among peers and older students. Smart enough and fit enough for West Point, but enough of a rebel to not fit that lifestyle. Although incredibly gifted, she was prone to breaking/bending the rules and laws. Nothing violent, but y’all know her troubles already.
West Point….could handle everything but the rules. Brilliant mind, free spirit. Not a good combo for the military mindset but great for an intelligence officer.
Nothing but trouble, brick walls and kicking the can when it comes to dealing with the government agencies involved with her investigation: obviously the local and state PD, courts, game and wildlife management,etc
-It was shortly after 9/11 so our country was in a large increase in recruitment and militarization.
One person mentioned in the family podcast fits the description of a “usual campus recruiter”. I won’t say the name out of respect as this is just my wild conspiracy.
She may not have realized the totality of her decision in not being able to contact family again, for security purposes.
While listening to the podcast, this was one theory that kept running around my brain up until the time of her accident/disappearance. Everything before and after could be explained this way, but I’m sure there are better ways to “disappear” recruits than her accident. To be clear, I’m not saying the intelligence community harmed her, I’m saying she joined them and is still working for them.
Like I said at the beginning, I think foul play, but just a glimmer of hope she’s out there.