It is now proven that government didn't need to silence Patterson and Gimlin. All they needed to do was place tighter controls on access to the Bluff Creek area.
BTW, the area is closed all winter long, when tracks in the snow can tell their tale. Every year.
You really don't have to "cover it up". All you have to do is officially ignore it and occasionally make a silly joke to make believers look stupid.
Your scenario is fine, and if it went that way, it would essentially out the squelches. But, like I wrote, that's essentially what happened with Smeja, but without the videos and body parts, but of course, that's because he figured he'd be arrested...................and he was right...................
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.