All that follows is my opinion. Law Enforcement is keeping their cards close to their chests. I can appreciate that. This is a highly emotional case. A girl has been murdered. As for empathy and remorse, we have no idea how AF behaved in the interrogation room. Have you seen anything more of him than what has been released? It is telling AF is charged with delinquency and not murder right now. I can assume it is to detain him while the investigation continues. As for the selfie in the back of the patrol car, could it be possible AF was legitimately asking if anyone has seen Tristyn lately because he has been hauled away for questioning as the last person seeing her alive? I don't know how we can read smugness from the question or peace sign he gives. What would your 14 year old reaction be in such a situation? Is it possible someone else met TB and AF in the woods in those early morning hours? I have many more questions than I have answers and I am not ready to call this kid a sociopath or murderer.
I disagree with the statement that AF did not seem smug and may have been truly concerned, when asking if anyone had seen her lately, as he flashed the peace sign.
If he was truly concerned it would have shown on his face. He seemed smug and arrogant, not sincere and concerned, in my opinion.
If he was not involved, he probably wouldn't have blood on the clothing, found in his room.
I worked in the principals office of a middle school, for many years. I had a lot of experience interacting with 13 and 14 yr olds, as they were brought in to the office, for various infractions. There was a wide variety of attitudes seen. Some students were sincere, frightened, apologetic and eager to clear up the issues. Some didn't really care and thought it was all a joke.
Maybe I am jumping to conclusions, I don't know. But something about AF's demeanour--the way he holds himself, his slight smile, brushing back his hair, acting as if he has an audience, makes me think he is arrogant and callous.
In my experience, kids use the peace sign as 'Peace Out' ---a way to bounce, a sign they are signing off.
I don't see anything that leads me to believe he was truly asking for help in finding out where she was or what happened to her. JMO MOO