My guess is this was an insurance scam to get cash from the insurance company which had paid off the loan. Now comes the time when the plates have to be renewed and she realizes she can't renew them because it's already been reported as stolen......
So she returns it to the lot where it will be found and returned to her, not realizing that it's now the property of the insurance company.
That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.......
The only thing missing is did she start a Go Fund Me page.
I tend to agree with your theory...
I think she just forgot where she parked it!
Surely, Avis has cameras. Easy enough to see who drove in out and who drove it back. Where was she or her boyfriend?
There was a dispute between the owner of the car and a spouse/boyfriend who both have keys. Maybe both names are on the title?
Was there a repossession action underway when the car was "stolen?"
Possible, but not very likely from my chair.
With 1300 digital cameras covering all areas of the airport - including parking areas and, likely, recording license plates of all vehicles entering/exiting - it would take a pretty stupid person to source a vehicle for a crime from DIA, including insurance fraud.
Just as in other crimes, imho it’s more likely an ex is involved and he just wanted to really mess with her head.
The cost of airport parking exceeded the value of an old steamer from the hood.
If you are gone more than a few days, a beater or steamer would be cheaper.