I previously wrote my “top 10 misconceptions” about the red truck which focused on overall timeline in relation to Maura’s disappearance. However, there seems to be a great deal of interest in identifying the truck, so this is my attempt to look further into the truck and its characteristics. My friend “fulkstop” has been focused on this aspect so in many cases I defer to his research.

I will add that I am “agnostic” about the importance of the red truck. I tend to doubt that the people in the truck were searching for Maura or had anything to do with her disappearance. I do think the testimony gives us important insights about the timetable. That said, I do think it would be helpful to find the truck if possible in case they noted anything unusual that night – and to eliminate one ongoing uncertainty in the case.

RO’s DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUCK AND ITS FEATURES





I have previously discussed the issue of the Massachusetts plate. To reiterate, she was extremely consistent about the state on the plate with a single exception from 2007 where she indicates that the police told her she might be wrong.

All of these are verbatim from RO. Although there might be other attributions in the community, I am staying with those I can attribute directly to RO. THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK When she saw a side view she did indicate it was a bit too long, but getting close.

The following collages expand the years in both directions to illustrate truck design from 1970-1989 for Chevy and Ford

THE TRUCK BED

In other words, RO identified a REPLACED truck bed. The following describes truck bed modifications and reasons for making modifications to a truck bed.

However, RO did not see slats on top of a regular bed. She emphasizes that what she saw most closely resembles the photo shown with the replaced bed and the wood slats.

THE BACK WINDOW

WHAT CAN WE LEARN BY TIME, LOCATION, DIRECTION?

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS?