I think Whittmore should look closely at his oath. He must assume that 'all bets are off' and take his investigation seriously. If 'all bets are off', then he'd be curious about every person who claims that he or she heard Terri speak, respond, etc.
He is obviously NOT taking it seriously if he stalls before taking it seriously, unless [God forbid] she was already dead before he was aware of these claims.
Did you read my post? Her parents and sister have been visiting her. There is no way she is already dead and we wouldn't know about it. What is wrong with you?