I feel terrible for being such a cynic, but I also remember outrageous stories from Tawana Brawley and Susan Smith, and my alarm went off when I heard that the younger sister waited several hours before alerting her parents.
It just doesn't sound normal, unless the nine-year-old has some sort of diminished capacity.
I'm not convinced that the older sister left of her own free will, or that she is even alive now. I just know something about the story doesn't ring true.
Healthy skepticism is ok, but I don't see Al Sharpton, here, knocking on doors. Come on, you guys, this is Utah. Look at that innocent face-- 14, with a ponytail.
Now I am far more cynical, but on this one I still think it was a grab, depending on the timliness of the photo anyway, this kid doesn't look like a runner to me!!