if her bus stop was near a residential area that could have prompted the kidnapping considering it was said she was social. Meaning if someone was outside or doing something this could have started a conversation leading to her abduction. Meaning if you know the residents in the area at the time she was stopped it could narrow down suspects.
Here are a few things I am concerned about:
- Who reported that she was last seen getting off the school bus in the evening? - the bus driver, or some neighbor?
- The perpetrator disposed of the body at least 100 miles from Bothell.
- If she was found by the street, somebody must have thrown her off from the vehicle.
- If she was found by the banks of the river, someone must have disposed of her body at Cle Elum Lake / the trajectory of the river, which is still above 50 miles from Bothell.
This implies that the perpetrator must have abducted her and driven away from Bothell. And the perpetrator must have known her whereabouts.
My guesses:
- The bus driver, who knew her schedule and where she lived. He must have known about the extensive investigation in the city and must have driven off to the outskirts.
- A random stranger with a car, who talked to Lea Kimble, probably offered her candy or something and drove off the city. This random stranger must have either not been a part of the city or must have been a serial abductor having had a practice of abducting kids.
Motive:
Why did the perpetrator do such a thing? What was the motive, if not ransom? Was it pedophilia? Was it a traumatic pleasure? Or was it some mishap that went horribly wrong?