In my experience, any phone linked to your name is traceable. The only phones that do not link to any name are those less-expensive phones that use pre-paid cards.
So if TH and DS went into an AT&T store to purchase phones, they would have to show a license as proof of identity and address. I've been with AT&T for years and whenever I upgrade my phone, its the same procedure. These phones purchased by TH and DS would be linked to their names and addresses, since bills would need to be sent somewhere. Perhaps they used fake names and IDS?
IF they purchased pre-paid phones, then you don't have to release any info about yourself. You walk in, pick up a cheap phone, buy a card for the minutes, and walk out. When you call in to activate and load the minutes on your phone, you don't give your name, address, or any other info about yourself. Matter of fact, most of those pre-paid cards load through simple automation.
Something about this story makes no sense. If these women bought AT&T phones, cops could trace those...without needing the phones. In addition, most phones these days ping even when they are turned off.
