I hope the case is rock solid and they got the right guy. Interesting that they're leaving the tip line open - but maybe they do that all the time and I just don't pay attention.
I don't follow amateur online sleuths but I'm sure cases like this bring people out of the woodwork. It has been shrouded in such secrecy for a long time and the authorities have been very cautious to only let very limited details out. I'm sure a lot of that was to protect the family but it's fascinating that things are still so secret (sealing the materials). We'll find out eventually I guess and ultimately I don't care as long as they catch these pieces of shit.
It's a pretty crazy community. I guess like most online communities, it has some of the smartest, most compassionate and dedicated people imaginable, along with absolute derelicts, grifters and lunatics.
One of the issues is the ability to seriously monetize podcasts, and especially youtube videos, really brings some garbage to the forefront. Hell, even people that start off well intentioned and circumspect can all of a sudden see actual serious money coming in out of nowhere, and then how do you keep yourself from producing more of the content that pays, in lieu of chasing the truth?
I mostly stay away from youtubers, and tend to stick with true crime podcasts from professional outlets, rather than amateurs. I've become very disillusioned with the citizen sleuth type podcasts. I actually prefer to engage with hobbyists rather than people that have $ in the game. Hobbyists are much more likely to have 30-40 years in this game and really know how things work. It's amazing how many podcasters and youtubers are clearly woefully new to the subject of crime and law enforcement, but see an opportunity for cash or clout. Give me folks who've been into this shit since they read their mom's copy of The Stranger Beside Me.
But you still have to find the right communities...The Unresolved Mysteries subreddit is a pretty wonderful community, while the Websleuth forum is a cess pool.
I think you are correct that the extremely restricted amount of information the authorities released on this case led to more irresponsible speculation than usual, because there was so little "known" with which to combat wild theories.
Law Enforcement took a LOT of heat on this one, and on their refusal to be more forthcoming. That makes me think they likely have this one buttoned way up, as they've shown themselves to be patient and immune to public pressure. I would be shocked if all of a sudden they pivoted to a reckless premature arrest at this point.
It will all come out eventually, but I'm very anxious to learn how long this guy has been on their radar and how they eventually tied him to the case.