I believe it was a local RSO that has seen her and planned his moves.
I also believe that the ransom letter is an attempt from the family to just find her. Do we blame them? I'm sure they all feel like they just want to do anything to find her.
As we know, LE rarely tells the family anything, why would they tell the public anything. There are so many cases where family members were in the dark much of the investigation.
What their saying to the public is normal, unless their is evidence of anything, they never draw a conclusion..who wants egg on their faces.
I hope every day that Sherri is found alive..no matter what the circumstance, for the sake of all who love her. Sadly we know how most of these cases end though....