I already covered the registered sex offenders in the Norton Shores area in Part I of this series of analyses. While it's likely that it was a local (the Exxon station isn't necessarily a hub for out-of-town patrons), it's also likely that someone came in from Route 31 -- which runs through a large portion of the state of Mich. Someone who is a frequent traveler of the area would likely be aware of the gas station, and may have visited it on at least one other occasion, if only on the same day of the abduction. Remember, even Ted Bundy would do a drive around, or he'd case out a beach or other area once before nabbing his victims, and he'd usually do this in the same day of the crimes.
That's not to say that a serial killer is responsible for the kidnapping of Jessica Heeringa, but the evidence as it's known by the public and media certainly does point to someone who is either experienced in kidnapping or has taken extra care in planning and covering up the crime to avoid detection. In the case of the latter, this person certainly may strike again if he/she/they get away with this kidnapping for an extended amount of time.
It's fortunate that there is a witness account of what happened: Jessica reportedly walked out of the Exxon station willingly with the suspect, who then grabbed her. After a struggle she was shoved into the van. The man reportedly acted like he knew Jessica, but it's not known if she knew him or not. What can be gathered from this are a number of things. She either did in fact know the person who did this (or was acquainted with him), or this was a tactic used by the kidnapper to throw Jessica off guard so as to make the kidnapping easier.
Someone like this would be unassuming and not appear to be the "kidnapper" type. It would likely be someone clean and personable -- not the type that would cause concern in the middle of the night at a secluded gas station. He is likely average in size and strength who is attracted to the weaker victim who is smaller in size and weight, someone who would less likely put up a big struggle. Jessica Heeringa reportedly did put up a struggle but was unsuccessful. The blood found outside the Exxon station was likely a result of this struggle as it was reportedly not a large enough amount to indicate a murder. This means she could have been caught on the inside of the van door when she was struggling not to go inside of the vehicle. Or the assailant could have brandished a weapon -- maybe a knife -- injuring the woman into submission.
If the amount of blood wasn't lethal at the scene of the kidnapping, this means that the kidnapper didn't want to inflict fatal damage at the primary scene. This would mean that the kidnapper had plans for later that included the victim, which gives at least a small amount of hope that she is still alive, being held captive (if that is truly something someone wants to hope for in this case). The recent rescue of kidnap victim Amanda Berry has inspired more hope like this in loved ones of missing people all over the world, and to be honest it is quite possible that Jessica is also the victim of something similar.
If she isn't alive, there are numerous places an experienced predator could hide her remains. If this is someone who is familiar with the geography of the area -- and I believe he is -- then she could be deep within wooded areas or in bodies of water. It's most likely that she is in a reservoir, pond or other body of water due to the convenience. If her body is located before a suspect is arrested or identified, then the location of her remains may indicate the type of person responsible for her demise. Hopefully the case never comes to this horrific potentiality.
