interesting that the reporter asked if this could turn out like "Elizabeth Smart" and the officer basically said it WAS POSSIBLE! They have never said this is a homicide case. I wonder what was on that phone and if naming Dale numero uno was to help flush someone out. Hmmmm
I don't really think so. The body language and facial expression of the detective as he answered that question (a quick shake of the head in "no" manner, for one), as well as his phrasing indicated they know she is not alive.
His specific answer was: "Anything is possible at this point, but we have to take it day by day and you heard..." And then he goes on to describe all the leads they still have to go through or are getting.
His facial expression looked like, along with the quick shake of the head "no", as if he was incredulous about such a possibility, IMO. After he said "anything is possible" he quickly added "but" and that word was accompanied by a chop of the hand.
In context, I think it is clear he does not believe Michelle is alive, is not entertaining the idea that she is being held somewhere alive and that he believes they are still making considerable progress towards solving the case and arresting Dale. That's my reading, for whatever it's worth!
But, as he said, anything IS possible so they will never close the door to other potentialities and if the evidence shifts and shows something else, they will likely jump on it.
I feel good about these investigators. I think they are going to solve this case. I still feel fairly good about some others as well, that seem cold.
But these guys are still working a very active case and processing info. Even the little we know seems like a ton compared to some cases. I am hopeful that this will not be a case that takes years to solve.