Psychologists often warn couples of the negative effects divorce can cause children’s academic performance. To limit such effects, parents often wait until kids graduate from high school to announce their intention to divorce. Both of Macin’s parents admit to urging Macin to become more independent even before his senior high school year. Macin was reportedly resistant to efforts by his parents to get him to practice driving. In fact, the day before he was reported missing, Macin cancelled a driving lesson with his father, and went to bed with a headache according to Tracey Smith. He was expected to drive with his father the next day.
The couple’s divorce after 30 years of marriage was finalized in May of 2018. They had raised six kids with Macin being the last to leave home.
Macin was an excellent student with straight-A’s, it’s likely he wanted to attend college. Tuition for a four-year college in 2015 according to the Department of Education ranged from $39,328 in-state to $74,672 out-of-state. A private college could cost much more. Housing, transportation, books, food and other expenses would cause this amount to increase. Although a financial motive might seem unlikely, it can’t be entirely ruled out.