[GovernmentShrinker]

Unfortunately, I just don't have time to track down the articles which discussed this, but I know multiple sources said FBI agents were living in the Smart home. And we have to remember that with the large crew of local and federal law enforcement on the case, basic standards of investigation were undoubtedly being met. One of those standards is to put the family under the umbrella of suspicion in a case like this, and another is to make sure that key witnesses are not tainted, coached, or "disappeared". I'm quite sure that LE didn't let little MK out of their sight or hearing for some time following the abduction -- at least until the child forensic psychologist(s) said they didn't expect to be able to get any further information from her.

[sandude]

One of the most important reasons for FBI agents to move in with the family in this situation is to be there in case a ransom demand is received. I'm sure this is standard procedure and I'm sure that the agents who receive these kinds of assignments are specially trained to watch the family for tell tale signs of involvement. An agent in this situation would almost certainly be able to detect signs of coaching and other forms of coercion by an involved family member or members.

[freedox]

"Unfortunately, I just don't have time to track down the articles which discussed this....."

GS, I fully understand how time consuming it can be to make sure that one's statements of fact are sourced and documented. Without some documentation, I will simply accept your statements as opinion only. Perhaps you can at least provide a source for your assertion that "basic standards of investigation" would include a parent being asked not to discuss an extrememly traumatic event with a 9 y/o child?