That size matched the spare boot Natalie had seen by Ashley’s back door, but it wasn’t proof.

The county’s search coordinator divided the teams.

One group followed the creek.

Another checked the wooded embankment and an abandoned service path.

A third reviewed reports of anyone brought to neighboring hospitals without identification.

Meanwhile, the online story changed shape with extraordinary speed.

Someone posted that Andrew had deliberately driven off the road to escape his responsibilities.

Another claimed he had been spotted boarding a bus with a woman.