Arf! Arf! Yes, I think the MPD had a pretty good hunch by the 26th. They got the search warrant to search the house and took the cars on that day, right?
I think they did, too, but at that point in time, when the family was saying, "no way" about Scott--why he and Laci were the perfect couple! Guess Scott had already been down to the station and refused to take an LD test, and only "somewhat cooperated"? So, MPD brings in Merlin on the 26th and gives him Laci scarf or pillowcase to track Laci because they already knew she was dead and didn't walk away from the house? Gosh, they were working fast! And they didn't charge or arrest him for months!
Trust me, I'm not taking up for Scott because I do believe he had some serious knowledge and probably a hand in Laci's death, but LE's story or lack thereof, doesn't quite work for me.