I’m trying to present a scenario here that would look more kindly upon RT regarding his “she had a beer in her hand” statement, but maybe it is less kind to Barbara, unfortunately:
Maybe Barbara did have too much to drink, but RT is feeling protective of her (an enabler?) and didn’t want to say she was drunk or use such a term. So, in trying to be somewhat truthful he says “she had a beer in her hand” to let it be known in an indirect way she did drink some beer, while hiding the truth of the severity of her insobriety. Possible? Maybe that would also explain the “deceptive” polygraph outcome.
Hope I’m not going against TOS. Just thoughts that came into my mind of a case I can’t get out of my mind! Poor, dear Barbara...we want you found!