I've been reading/lurking on this thread since the beginning. It hits very close to home for me in a lot of ways. I live in Huntsville and Columbia is "just up the road" from me. I drove from Nashville on the Sunday before she went missing and actually stopped in Columbia. I'm not sure why, but I never got an Amber Alert on Monday. I only knew about it because I was at work and everyone's phone buzzed at the same time except mine - not sure why not because I am set to get them. On Tuesday, I saw a billboard for an Amber Alert, but it just said silver Nissan and their pics. I do wish that billboard had been more specific and actually showed a pic of the vehicle - that's what I look for more than anything with Amber Alerts.
I never really thought much about them actually being in Decatur, only because it is right off the interstate when leaving Columbia. It would be the place I would stop for gas, restroom break, etc. I do wonder if they were pinged just off the interstate or further into town or near one of the campgrounds there.
I could have very well been Elizabeth 20 years ago. I was a "victim" (according to who you ask) of someone more than twice my age. Coming from a very dysfunctional family, I believed anything that guy said. I definitely would have run away with him had he asked just to get away from all the craziness at home. Not sure how long I would have stayed on the run with him before I got tired and wanted to see my siblings, but I without a doubt would have done it.