I agree with everyone on the tenuousness of charges against these dopes, but they’re doomed. Evidence of flight is admissible to show consciousness of guilt. They just did what was needed to seriously bolster a weak case
I’m wondering whether they were caught outside of the jurisdiction in which they were charged. Did they leave home because they were afraid of harm? Were they actually ‘charged’ when they left? Lots of questions. But in all, what they’ve ended up with will go against them.
I still think the ‘manslaughter’ charge is overdone. And were I on a jury I’d not vote guilty if the penalty and sentencing could go the 15 years. Charge them with something else. Criminal negligence, reckless endangerment, etc.