That statement makes it very clear how much they did.
I think you did not read the article.
Misleading title and lead-in.
“Relatives” consists ONLY of his cousin once removed. Mom’s cousin. How close could they be? They even ask questions like they don’t know what happened after the big threat last year. Not very close sounding. The other party interviewed is a family friend. They might know them better but don’t give much more insight.