I found it hard to believe Maria was murdered for $700 - but I’m not going to type what I’m thinking.
The Laurean’s seemed to be doing OK financially, to have a nice house with a big yard and truck.
Hmm...What are you thinking?
The thought occured to me, what if he was forcing her to run away with him (and his wife?) to Mexico? That way she wouldn’t be able to pursue the rape charges. He may have forced her to write that note, and go get money. Then back at his house, maybe she resisted the plan, and thus the tragic ending.
Thoughts?