My gut keeps telling me that Tammy may be in the Witness Protection Program. I do know that LE says, no. BUT would they ever say, yes? Here are my reasons why:
1. Tammy told several people that she saw something that put her life in danger (something about money laundering).
2. Her personality changed drastically overnight without any medical/mental explanation. I believe she was truly terrified.
3. Her mom sought out every support system/resource for Tammy, 72 hour mental health evaluation and even taking her to LE to get on record what she saw and why she felt threatened. Yet, police have no record of her visit to them -the detective, when asked, said he barely remembered her (Tammy was breathtaking - any man would remember her- and let's say he didn't remember her right away, he would be reminded of her once she is reported missing). He then gave a totally different reason why Tammy came in that day (stolen property). Stolen property may have been a part of Tammy's concern - at least one person who knew Tammy says that she had planned to confront someone about stolen property and feared their response, right? The detective's explanation could have touched on the truth, but only slightly. If she did report stolen property, would that too be a motive for someone to keep her quiet? Wouldn't that report become important in the search for Tammy?
4. Early dismissal by LE that Tammy wanted to leave home/family - she was tagged as a runaway - no search was necessary. I know that this was the norm for the time, but this girl had a promising career with plans to travel to CA soon, and had been frightened about her safety - seems possible that LE knew more about this case than they say.
5. Little LE follow up and quick elimination of involvement of people who saw Tammy last. Both KR and Mr Adams both indicate (Unsolved Mysteries) that they were not questioned as they thought the circumstance might require.
6. Tammy told Mr Adams on July 5th that she might be going away for a while...
[7. Removed via edit by nola]
8. People in high places in FL government were indicted in late 1983 on money- laundering charges.
I think that Tammy's life was in danger. If a person is part of the witness protection program, is it safe for LE to reveal a person's participation? I don't think that's how the program works.
I am hopeful that Tammy is safe and living her life with a new identity somewhere. This is sad for her and her family, but a better ending than the alternative.
Of course, I am only expressing my opinion. But I hope that one day (if this is the case) that the threat will be resolved and Tammy could reconnect with her family.