Alternative Scene #10: Voluntary Disappearance

One of the most discussed theories surrounding Maura Murray’s case is that she may have voluntarily disappeared. According to this theory, Maura intentionally staged her own disappearance in order to leave behind her life, possibly due to emotional distress, personal struggles, or a desire to escape her current situation.

Proponents of this theory suggest that Maura’s actions—such as the car crash, the unclear phone calls, and the disappearance of her belongings—could all be part of a plan she set into motion. Some theorists believe that Maura may have been dealing with emotional turmoil, pressure from family, or a need for space, and the crash was a staged event to create the illusion of an accident, allowing her to leave without being immediately noticed.

While this theory may seem plausible in certain contexts, it also raises significant questions: If Maura planned to disappear, why hasn’t there been any communication or trace of her in the years since? And why would she choose such a dangerous method of disappearing, especially when there were simpler ways to vanish without attracting attention?

The Voluntary Disappearance theory is one of the more compelling possibilities but remains speculative without concrete evidence. It’s important to critically assess this theory and consider all factors before drawing conclusions.

Questions for Readers and Investigators

If you’re using the Alternative Scene Tool, consider applying these prompts:

• Alternative Scene Tool: Does the theory of a voluntary disappearance align with the known facts and Maura’s behavior? Use the tool to critically evaluate whether this theory fits with what we know about her state of mind and actions before the disappearance.
• Timeline Builder Worksheet: How does this theory fit into the timeline of Maura’s actions? Could the car crash and her other activities be explained as part of a well-thought-out plan to disappear?
• Occam’s Razor Tool: Does the theory of a voluntary disappearance provide the simplest explanation for the case, or does it create unnecessary complexities based on assumptions without solid proof?
• Cognitive Bias Checklist: Are we drawn to the idea of a voluntary disappearance because it offers a clean narrative, or are we focusing on verified facts to form our analysis?

Disclaimer: The Voluntary Disappearance theory is speculative and lacks verified evidence. While it is a theory that is commonly discussed, there is no concrete proof to suggest that Maura intentionally staged her own disappearance. As with all theories, we encourage readers to approach this idea with caution and focus on evidence-based reasoning. If you have read the book and filled out the Alternative Scene Tool, we encourage you to submit your completed analysis for further discussion.