The Sounds Of Silence

Heard tonight that some Aruban media outlets are beginning to move on, not completely, but certainly from the kind of coverage the disapearance of Natalee Holloway had been getting.

Also informed that a girlfriend of Joran v d Sloot was questioned for approximately four hours today - haven't confirmed, or if the Sounds of Silence applies in that instance, too.

I suppose it's only natural that quiet without some sense of significant forward momentum isn't welcome to those most interested in this case. I honestly can't say with any confidence that there isn't reason to conclude this case isn't stalled.

One source on the island told me tonight that he heard EquuSearch's Miller told CNN he was "happy." But if you Google CNN for Natalee Holloway ... hello darkness my old friend ... for the past two days. Maybe someone should tell them the released DJ isn't exactly news, anymore.

I've a couple more calls to make. I haven't stopped working any harder than I was a week ago ... but I have been working on something potentially longer needing more research. That type of writing doesn't really fit into the web log world - which is based on multiple timely updates throughout the day. It could turn out to be the best angle on at least some truth related to this case, so I'm sticking with it. On the otherhand, if you've ever tried to develop a news story, it isn't uncommon to go quite a ways down a road only to wind up with nothing ... only silence.

I'll keep providing updates ... keeps the noise level up and don't forget the link above. I have a dozen little tidbits, if nothing else, I'll get those up later tonight.

One last thing ... come spring and summer I love to put on some driving music, open up the car and cruise along the way. Two of my favorite tapes for that are custom recorded, one from the Allman Brothers ban circa early 70's and the other from Lynyrd Skynyrd. That first cut from the Skynyrd DVD ain't making it as driving music these days. Sorry for the cheap and legal rendition. You'll need your speakers for now. You're free to read along.

Comments

[Nan]

you're right that rendition isn't making it to the car!

[Jenifer D.]

Hey, it's a deadly sin to mis-spell LYNYRD SKYNYRD! Shame on you buddy! ;-) You're grounded from listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd for an hour.

[Dan Riehl]

I have no idea what you're talking about, Jen!! ;P There's something good about being the blog editor. ha ha

[Mary]

~Thanks for sharing Dan~
:O)

[Not a Hand Wringer.]

There is a reason why CNN has no updates.

They report news. Not gossip.

You mentioned earlier in a different post:

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

I'll leave you with this Craig Saila essay, from 1996 on Web Journalism to ponder:

How far should honest journalists go to obtain the best story? A deceptively complex answer would be: as far as the truth can take them. Webster's dictionary defines truth as being the "body of real things, events, and facts," in other words the colollected facts and events create theruth. Without delving into the philosophical difference between "truth" and "fact," it should be noted that, given the above, the facts used will alter the outcome of "truth." For example, if x is used to represent 'Fact 1,' and y, 'Fact 2,' the Webster's definition n would read as follows: things+events+x+y=truth. Assuming the variables, including x an y have the value of 1, truth would be the equal 4. If however 'Fact 2,' or y, came from a slightly different source, and thereby was valued at 0.974 instead, truth would equal 3.974. The more facts that are added to the equation, the greater the depth that will exist in the value of truth. But any inaccuracies emerging from the collection of the facts, or from within the facts themselves, will cause tremendous variations within the end value of truth. With this in mind, one begins to understand the responsibility of a journalist to be as accurate as possible when reporting events.

In his article for Deadlines & Diversity, Nicholas Russell sets out three "yardsticks" for a journalist to measure the accuracy of his story. They are: "Is my motivation a genuine desire to inform the public?" The second follows up the first question, by asking "What does this decision do the newsroom's credibility?" The final question ties the two previous questions together: "Can I comfortably confess my techniques to the audience?" The questions are simple in that they force the journalist to consider the techniques and methods he uses to present his story to the public. Though daily news reporting can be arduous, and often quite uninspiring, it is important to remember that the reader relies on the stories that are being told. But technolotecal trends have allowed reporters and journalist to be directly accessible to their audience. With the World Wide Web entering into the mainstream over the past year the traditional outlet for reader response -- the letters to the editor -- is weakening. Papers like The Globe and Mail, and many broadcasters, have given their staff publicly available email address. If this action is carried out effectively -- the address are included with the stories -- the journalist will become publicly accountabie for his story. Knowing this will force Russell's 'yardsticks' to the forefront, as the journalist is questioned by his reader.

Another benefit of the Web could become evident in the online versions of the newspaper. The medium, through its use of hyperlinks -- links to other documents not stored on the particular page -- journalist will be able to put their source material online. One journalist, Stephen Pizzo, has said, "In the old days, when I wrote about a secret White House memo that I obtained…the reader had to trust that I had it and I was interpreting it correctly. Today I'm able to say, 'Hey, here it is. Look it over and come back to me for the story.' Readers are coming to expect that now. And woe be to the journalist who plays fast and loose with the facts." By offering such services, the newspapers will benefit in a number of ways. First, and foremost the newsroom's credibility would be that much more secure if the readers were able to see key documents as they wanted to and journalist were no longer just mere bylines. As readers benefit from thorough, well-documented reports by a journalists who isn't afraid to discuss their story a public trust will develop. As well as helping to secure the credibility of the newsroom, it would also be a check-and-balance system for reporters who continually fail to disclose their resources and failed to measure up to Russell's first 'yardstick.'

While the technological advances which allow more interaction between the journalist and the reader, the essential elements of honest reporting cannot be forgotten.

A lazy journalist cannot wait for the readers to call his bluff, he must operate with the highest degree of honesty as possible. If even one of the 'yardsticks' were answered negatively, the intent of the story will be dishonest. In the opening it was illustrated how a small difference in a fact can alter the overall truth presented, and by failing to measure up to the 'yardstick' the truth risks becoming distorted beyond repair, as illustrated by Russell when he refereed to the Janet Cooke story. With a combination of greater public accountability -- through email, and hyperlinked resources, for example -- and the consistent question of a journalist's own motivations are more credible and honest media could emerge.

[JustMe]

Not a Hand Wringer, thank you for your thoughts. They will save me having to take a sleeping pill.

[michele]

Dear not a hand wringer:

Why screw up this forum with a long discourse that has nothing to do with the case at hand?

Just leave a link.

And Dan is doing a great job.

[izzy]

Not a Hand Wringer -- I know you mean well, but please spare me the soliloquy on journalism. "There is a reason why CNN has no updates. They report news. Not gossip." Indeed! The fact is there have been several developments in the Natalee Holloway case since Steve Croes was released from jail on Monday, and I am happy that venues like Fox News and this web site have been staying on top of the story and reporting the developments as they occur. Thanks Dan, I really appreciate all of your hard work!

[Scratch-N-Sniff]

Hey, get you some Lynyrd with Bo Bice singing "Sweet Home Alabama" and we might be talking.

On the other, MSNBC has Urine's Dad on the lead story of the front page tonight, re telling Urine there is no case without a body. The major US networks are still giving Natalee coverage. Somethings got to give, this will not be an unsolved crime much longer, NO WAY.

[war eagle]

Right on Dan! ...although my favorite Lynrd song is "Sweet Home Alabama" since I was born, raised
there, just like NH!

Great site BTW! Loved your latest post tonight and I think I get the gist of it!

First of all, I must say I have travelled the Caribbean (not Aruba), but would go there in a NY minute of the snorkeling was any good and the beaches nice. You name it...Cozumel, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, so I don't have anything against the islanders or Dutch or Cubans or Mexicans...you get the picture.

But, after all this time of following along with this 'situation,' having grown up in Ala. and knowing first-hand how it is to be a kid from there and all, high standards, over-achiever, etc., here is "the theory of the night":

Natalee is alive; not on island; not in quarry; not in sea (unless on a cruiser), and as Toronto earlier posted, probably went wild as a buck on the last night and visited the other place to party; went with Lorenzo or other Espanol-speaking dude and for all we know is in Venezuela or Colombia having a wild time! Who knows...the girl could have fallen for one of these people?

What else could explain the (1) lack of results on search; (2) no body; (3) no cracking kids in jail (come on--what kid will stand up under this kind of pressure if they did something); (4) the Dutch gov. conduct--i.e., who is going to cross a Ven/Colombian ruthless rich drug dude? What are you going to do when the media and all leave the island, huh? Go fishing?? I don't think so ;-)

Nope, she ain't on Aruba; she ain't dead! She is free as a bird now---and probably not singing Sweet Home Alabama any time soon!

So, I leave you with a thought from the song for the night and you can tell me what you think...
"Sweet Home Alabama...where the skies are blue...
...In Birmingham they love the Governor....does your conscience bother you!"

-Lone War Eagle-

[Jenifer D.]

Well put, War Eagle. That has been my thought all along; she is alive, however, she may have been trafficked. Think about it folks; Natalee is blonde, teenaged, NAIVE, and attractive. She is a likely candidate for human trafficking, especially in that region of the world. Where I am assigned, we deal with that crap all the time, but, here in Asia it's Nigerian pimps and Russian hookers.

[annie]

Interesting concept war eagle, but that doesn't explain much about so much lying and why the father would continue to cover for his son. It seems to me that PVS does believe his son had some bad encounter with the girl and is willing to risk everything covering for him based on the advice he is giving his kid.

[annie]

I would be more inclined to believe Jenifer's theory, that Natalee was alive, but not on her own will and certainly not partying. I think she may be a sex slave some wh ere by now if she indeed is alive. If that were the case, then the father might cover for his son because he may be somehow involved in that activity himself.

[michele in bham]

Look War Eagle, Natalee isn't off some where.She wouldn't do something like that to her family.

If she was just off having a good time, why did Joran have a lie cooked up with in 3 hours of last seeing her?

Probably because he killed her.

[war eagle]

Jennifer D.

You got it right....If you think about it and discount only the psychics stuff you read on here along with the bashers, etc., it is the only theory that will hold water.

I remember growing up there in Al., (although I am much older than NH BTW and now live in Texas),
and the kids are under lots of pressure to achieve and especially the ones like her who are very smart, intellectually. I don't buy falling for the kids in jail--she is way too smart for that--

Also, give me one shred of evid. she was stumbling drunk or drugged that night?? (You can't do it unless its hearsay--she wouldn't go for it IMHO--too smart)

That leaves the other option--she speaks spanish (just like I do, having learned in Al. believe it or not!), and presto---she is with one of them, possibly having fallen for one of them and is no longer around Aruba!

Buenos Noches y espero que ella quiere que visitar a Alabama con Padre y Madre antes del fin de Verano! (that is definitely not found in any
Lynrd Skynrd song I have ever heard ;-)

--Lone War Eagle--

[Florida Boy]

While theories of Natalee running off to enjoy a wild, fun-filled life may be more appetizing and make for a more entertaing view, they are far less likely than theories concluding that she was the unfortunate victim of a crime. Nice imagination, tho.

Similarly, while it is theoretically possible that she was trafficked, it is more reasonable to conclude that Natalee's outcome was determined on Aruba, and that we must suffer through a drawn out investigation involving people, laws and a system which we don't understand. Therein lies the greatest frustration.

God Bless Nat and her family.

[war eagle]

No Michelle,

Remember, I grew up where you are now! B'Ham!

She may be held from returning to family now--get it!

I think the Dutch people are covering for each other since they may be attached, tracked, whatever, by the people who NH is with and they know if they provide too much info, they will be fed to the fish after everybody goes home!

How else do you explain where everything stands now? How do you explain Dan's post? DAN?

Lone War Eagle

[RstJ]

Anybody catch that interview with the Croes guy on Greta? Not Steve Croes, but some other Croes. Weirdest most disarticulated thing I've heard in a while. He's supposedly a friend of Jug Twitty's. In the first half hour after the Twittys touched down, they're in contact with him about some cellphone call made from his sailboat dock. He then helps them find the van der Sloot house, goes with them, then goes back to the Holiday Inn w/them, except he actually goes to some beach and talks to some kids about Joran and then he's back at the Sloot house and...

Just freaking *weird*. Anybody have any idea who this dude is?

RstJ

[Catherine Hammer]

Awwww....All I saw was "Freebird". I wanted to see which Allman Bros. song is your cruising music! Back in the 70's and early 80's, I loved to cruise around to "Jessica" by the Allman Bros. Now THAT's cruising music!

BTW, I love your website.

[Jenifer D.]

So much drama for such a little island. I remember a story on MSNBC about another American gal that disappeared in March of 1998. She was spotted a couple times before she dropped out of sight and one of the places she was seen was in a brothel on Curacao Island. A Naval officer saw this gal, her name was Amy Bradley, and she approached him asking for help, stating that she was in alot of trouble; well, needless to say, that Naval officer didn't do a damned thing to help this U.S. citizen because he was in someplace he shouldn't have been: a house of prostitution. Now that this man is retired, he felt it was safe to talk about it. He could have given an anonymous tip to the Navy CID without putting his career on the line. How hard could it have been?

[war eagle]

Florida Boy,

I know what you are saying, but I also know what it is like first-hand to grow up, go to school there, and to attend the greatest school in the SEC--War Eagle to all!

But, the problem with the whole case is that nobody gives NH enough credit. I can pretty much tell that the Joran dude is a loser; she wouldn't have gone to the beach with him--maybe to his house but no further.

I think she is long gone, done flown the coop, is
free as a bird, hit the road, made like a bat out of Montgomery (monkey town, as the truckers in Al. used to say on I 65 Southbound)

Thanks for your time and say hello to Jimmy Buffett if you ever run into that dude down there in Florida. Pick up a copy of "A-1A" while you are at it---he is from Mobile, Alabama, BTW ;-)

Lone War Eagle

[Ari]

War Eagle:

"... if they provide too much info, they will be fed to the fish after everybody goes home!"

I'm with you 100% percent. That is why Joran is not talking. Recall also that he passed every question in the lie detector (presumably also the question if he hurt her, or if she died accidentally), except for the question when did he see her last. Here is where Toronto's suggestion comes in. It is highly likely that they went to an "esoteric" party. Joran will never confess that, because he would not dare implicate that kind of crowd. Naturally, one of his worries has been if he is going to be charged for murder. His dad reassured him, "no body, no crime" not because they have disposed the body, but from what they know there is no indication that she has been murdered.

[Jenifer D.]

here's the link to the story I was talking about: http://www.blogs.net/page/Dan_Hanchey/20050610

[michele in bham]

I grew up here also and worked in MB. But there is way too much evidence that harm has befallen Natalee.

She didn't have to run away to have fun, as evidenced by the fact that her mom allowed her to go to Aruba and drink and gamble.

It's not like she was living some kind of totally sheltered life that she needed to run from.

Anyway, if anyone wants to discuss Natalee issues on a forum where you can reply to posts and posters, check out http://rjames.com/forums/

[Dman]

Dan,et al:

May be the Aruban media is not saying as much because as reported by a poster on SM the Aruban PM went on the air today telling the people it was unpatriotic for Arubans to be saying things publicly that the American media could that may discourage Americans from traveling to Aruba or to think badly about Aruba...there was also somewhat of a warning tone to the message I gathered.

I have noticed fewer Aruban posters on this blog and SM today...I do not know if it is related to the PM's speech or not.

[Larry]

Folks,

The more I read about this case, the more I feel that Joran and his father are deeply involved. I have not heard of any of our elected officials outside of Rep. Jim Bachus of Alabama requesting our government's particapation. Secretary of State C. Rice is from Birmingham. She grew up there. I was hoping to hear something from her office requesting the Dutch government to assist Aruba more in this investigation. I had also hoped to hear that President George Bush and his wife were deeply concerned about this case and could also help to put pressure on the Dutch to help. The Bush's have TWO Daughters a few years older. All parent with children are affected by this case. TOO MANY YOUNG GIRLS GO MISSING IN THIS COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.

I guess I expect some level of concern, assistance and support for citizens when they become victims of crime in other countries from our government. We go into other countries to assist them in establishing a free societies and to protect human rights.

I remember a few years ago about a German couple that were killed in FL. Pressure from the German Goverment help to put the addition pressure on the State and local government to solve the case.

I think the Aruban government has felt this pressure, but due to its social / class structure, their may be some reluctance on the part some citizens there to become involved for fear of retallation. Somebody in Aruba knowns the Answer to "Where in the World is Natalee Holloway?"

Help Folks, her parents need to know. Maybe we should writing to our elected national leaders for help in putting pressure and getting help for Natalee.

I fear that if the three suspects(?) are released and this case does not come to a just end. "Somethin' Bad" could happen to those identified in the press. I would hate to "Old West, Judge Roy Bean" type justice occur. there are enough people that understand that a beautiful young lady is missing and nothing was done by the powers in charge.

Thanks for listening to my rantings.

[Larry]

Folks,

The more I read about this case, the more I feel that Joran and his father are deeply involved. I have not heard of any of our elected officials outside of Rep. Jim Bachus of Alabama requesting our government's particapation. Secretary of State C. Rice is from Birmingham. She grew up there. I was hoping to hear something from her office requesting the Dutch government to assist Aruba more in this investigation. I had also hoped to hear that President George Bush and his wife were deeply concerned about this case and could also help to put pressure on the Dutch to help. The Bush's have TWO Daughters a few years older. All parent with children are affected by this case. TOO MANY YOUNG GIRLS GO MISSING IN THIS COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.

I guess I expect some level of concern, assistance and support for citizens when they become victims of crime in other countries from our government. We go into other countries to assist them in establishing a free societies and to protect human rights.

I remember a few years ago about a German couple that were killed in FL. Pressure from the German Goverment help to put the addition pressure on the State and local government to solve the case.

I think the Aruban government has felt this pressure, but due to its social / class structure, their may be some reluctance on the part some citizens there to become involved for fear of retallation. Somebody in Aruba knowns the Answer to "Where in the World is Natalee Holloway?"

Help Folks, her parents need to know. Maybe we should writing to our elected national leaders for help in putting pressure and getting help for Natalee.

I fear that if the three suspects(?) are released and this case does not come to a just end. "Somethin' Bad" could happen to those identified in the press. I would hate to "Old West, Judge Roy Bean" type justice occur. there are enough people that understand that a beautiful young lady is missing and nothing was done by the powers in charge.

Thanks for listening to my rantings.

[war eagle]

Jenifer D.

Amen!

Hope that whoever you are, wherever you are, wherever NH is, that God be with all of you!

As sure as the Cherokee people still live in Alabama and the sun rises in the morning, may you live long, prosper, may your footsteps be sure and may you bring justice and peace so that NH returns home safely.

Lone War Eagle

[Ari]

"Somethin' Bad" could happen to those identified in the press ...

Well, in that case we'll have another criminal investigation and the perpetrators if proven guilty will be punished to the full extent of the law.

[Jenifer D.]

Larry, we ask out elected officials for a lot of things; too bad 80% don't deliver because they are too busy covering up their own indescretions; rememeber Gary Condit and Chandra Levy? Too many years in the Military make me more than just a little cynical about the workings and reliability of our elected officials as of late; when are the Patriots going to arrive on Capital Hill and drive out the war-mongering politico's? ;-)

[Ranger Randy]

Jenifer D., WTF is 'skippy's list'? I clicked on your name and expected an e-mail line but I got this crap!

[Jenifer D.]

AWWWWW......read the skippy-isms Ranger, you might learn something. Now then, back to the drama at hand. ;-)

[NevadaMom]

Keep up the good work with the posts. I agree that Natalee is probably gone (what's worse being raped and murdered now, or in sexual slavery? to be murdered later?), all those posts that think a girl like that would go off voluntarily are clueless. Do they any idea how hard it is to get a full scholarship, apparently she spent countless hours volunteering. This young lady was a young naive and probably a perfect target for a pervert like Joran.Her family seems very close and loving and there is no way she would go off voluntarily. Her biggest mistake was trusting Joran and possibly the two brothers. The Kalpoes are obviously involved if they still are lying. Will this case ever be solved? I thought it was curious that Ruben T the Aruban spokesman mentioned on O'Reilly how it took 6 months to find Lacey Peterson. Is that going to be their line?

[lacey]

Investigation shifting!!!!!
My husband is an ICE agent and his unit just spent 2 days in Aruba helping with the search. He said the theory of what happned to Natalee is changing course. They feel Joran may not have had time to kil her, dispose of the body etc etc. 3 witneses have come forward this week saying they saw Natalee on the beach with an American boy. There were 3 FBI agents in Aruba for the last week, but now there's only one because the 2 agents from Alabama have gone to Natale's home there and are investigating the male students on the trip. Another twist, huh? I'm going to Aruba with a bunch of nurses Friday and I'll do some snooping around!!

[come on]

"I honestly can't say with any confidence that there isn't reason to conclude this case isn't stalled."

Dan, please! This triple-negative almost made me give up on reading your site. And I don't want to do that.

[seedyrum]

I wouldn't want SecSt Rice to get involved with this case. There is a matter of the Iraq War, she need to focus her attention.

The FBI, the EquusSearch, the bloggers, MSM are there.

We as bloggers ned to stay focused and never let up the criticisms of the coverup and corruption on Aruba.

Noone wants negative publicity. Noone wants a tarnished image.

Although our blogging didnt create Aruba's tarnished image, Aruba's lack of credible and valid investigation, the miscarriage of justice of arresting the 2 black guys, the 10 day lapse of arresting the 3 thugs and there by letting valid forensics become dust in the wind, PVDS aiding and abetting a son in"something bad happened."

The police arresting the 2 black men on the word of 3 thugs who were the last to see NH alive.

The police chief "saying he is the son of my friend."

"we cant go in there like cowboys" but can invade the home of black gaurds like cowboys.

The confiscating of the car(s) 10 days later.

The confession leaked but quickly retracted.

I can cite many instances where Aruba tarnished its own image.

I wonder how many blacks have taken the fall, used as scapegoats or pay off to take the blame for the white, rich, and upperclass of Aruba

We as bloggers need to recite these over and over again.

Bloggers need to reiterate the lying, the facts, and inconsistent statements and procedures by Aruba police and goverment.

Aruba tarnished its own image with inactivity and deception and coverup.

[Katie]

Hi everyone,

It does seem plausible that Natalee was sold into slavery. And certainly this situation does draw attention to the global problem of sex trafficking. Just look at the stats below from a bill just introduced by the The House of Representatives in APRIL OF 2005 titled "End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act of 2005".

http://www.theorator.com/bills109/hr2012.html

(12) The United Nations estimates that sex trafficking, including sex tourism, generates approximately $5,000,000,000 a year in revenues. There are a number of United States-based companies that overtly and explicitly facilitate sex tours, often involving the sexual exploitation of children. According to some estimates, up to 1/4 of international sex tourists are American.

(13) Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), the United States is committed to ending the international trafficking of persons for slavery, including sex slavery. The achievement of significant progress in reducing sex trafficking within the United States will bolster United States efforts to eliminate international trafficking in persons for slavery, including sex slavery, around the world.

(14) Stronger enforcement of laws against sex traffickers, exploiters, and purchasers may dramatically reduce demand for commercial sexual acts and related sex trafficking and reduce the exploitation of persons engaged in commercial sexual activities.

[Jenifer D.]

Well, seedyrum, you pretty well spelled it out; Hedonism is alive and well on Aruba; Too bad they try to hide it, and they are indeed doing a poor job of it. As for Yours Truly, I have never been to Aruba. After this little drama with the vanishing school-girl, I ain't settin` foot on that island without a platoon of Army Special Forces troops watching my back!

[Jenifer D.]

Here's the 2005 human trafficking report from the U.S. State Dept website as well; http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2005/

[Katie]

Thanks Jenifer,

Those are by far the saddest most sobering statistics I've ever come across...

[Jenifer D.]

Well, Katie, where I am assigned, it is common place. P&HT is a big issue in Asia, especially Korea now that we have Russian females being trafficked here by Nigerian pimps.

[michele in bham]

Hey Lacey, how can someone tell if a boy is American or Dutch in the dark on a beach???

And why then would the Dutch boy lie about everything if he was guilty of nothing?

[Katie]

Jenifer,

It sounds like you're familiar with this issue and I'm sorry if I missed some of your posts but do you think that it's likely that this is what happened to Natalee?

[seedyrum]

I dont believe Natalee is or even sold into slavery unless Juran did the selling.

Did all three receive payment for the selling of Natalie?

Would the brothers lie to protect Juran if he sold her into slavery? Well forget that one they are lapdogs without minds to think for themselves.

Remember the phrase, "something bad happened."

If Juran sold her, he received something in return for the sell. He got something not really a bad thing for him. Bad for Natalie

Unless he was forced to sell her. Still he received something for her.

Would a father say "no body no crime." for selling someone and "something bad happened?

Would a son say "something bad happened" after selling someone and he received a payment then run to the father.

Why would the father need to talk with the 3 after they "sold" her into slavery?

If she was sold in slavery, would the 3 point out the 2 security gaurds as the ones last to see her. Are we to believe that the 2 blacks sold her into slavery and what did they get?

Would Depak apologize to Johns after knowing they "sold" her into slavery? Not if they receive something in return for the sell and they know she is still alive but just captive. If they received nothing ie, murder or accidental death, yes an apology is in order.

[Jenifer D.]

Yes Katie, that is what I think. No body, no remains, and no credible witnesses; Natalee just vanished into thin air and some little Dutch punk named Joran was the last one with her before she disappeared. Human trafficking is a very real problem all over the world, even in the U.S. in the 21st century, shameful as it sounds. We can only hope for the best and expect the worst right now. Considering the state of social affairs in Aruba, they have a lot to lose, in the way of tourism dollars, should it be proven that PVDS and JVDS are involved in Natalee's disappearance. :-(

[seedyrum]

ty Jenifer. My intent is not let Aruba make us bloggers a scapegoat for their tarnished image.

[Cmoney]

Hi, michelle in bham....maybe someone in Natalee's group identified the guy described as an "American"? There's been a little talk about an ex boyfriend the last couple of days. Or, a local (or a tourist) could have passed them on the beach, and heard them talking? I'm at the point where I'm thinking that anything's possible...

[Jenifer D.]

Let's not racial profile seedyrum, all races are involved in the P&HT game, somehow. I doubt Natalee was sold by JVDS or PVDS. For all we know, Natalee may have happened upon some Caribbean riff-raff while she was with Joran, the little wimp couldn't fend them off and they took off with Natalee and he feels guilty, but, doesn't dare fess up to being a wuss. After all, he is a teenage boy with social, and anger, issues.

[CancunGirl]

This seems to be an authentic letter written by Deepak to a friend after the incident. It seems real to me, I found it on another forum. His conversations with people, via emails and such are being leaked. What do you all think?

How are you i hope you and your family is fine.(NAME DELETED) is better i tell you the truth , before it will be a shock for you later, but i think it will be a shock for you rightnow.
The missing girl natalee hollaway,I spoke to her , sunday she left with me , my brother and a friend from carlos n' charlies , it was my car like the news said she got in to, I am one of the persons of intrest , i am one the the students they've questioned and released as they claimed in the news .
Let see where to start i don't even know where to begin these last days where so crazy for me i'm very tired haven't slept good in days : The story starts sunday night when a friend of mine was playing poker at a local casino (in the holiday inn) after he won the poker at the fourth place he decided to get up and play some blackjack so he went to the blackjack table and there was natalee (they were a lil drunk ) so my friend started playing blackjack and he was winning quite good , so then natalee approached him and introduced herself and said to him'' your a lucky guy , can you help me win some of my money back i lost $ 360 , of my fathers money'' so my friend said ok , why not . so he started playing and he won 100 $ for her back and he said hey thats the best i can do for you because i doubt it i can win more money for you so its better i quit so she said ok but at least let me buy you a drink so they went to the bar (in the casino ). so they took a drink and started talking etc. about school, the vacation etc.etc.afterwards my friend had to go and she said that ''today is my last day i will be in carlos n' charlies will you be there'' and my friend said well i have school tomorrow i don't think so . well she begged him and he still said yes i'll be there.So that was in the casino i was not present , i was at work so my friend called me and said hey i met some girls in the casino and her friends and they want us to meet them in carlos tonight do you have to work tomorrow morning i said no , so he said pick me up later then i said ok. so i got off my shift at 10 pm and went home took a bath had to fix something and then me and my younger brother went to pick up my friend was around 12.10 am so i came to his home and was talked for like 15 min and then left to go to carlos (we all went out without or parents knew) so we arrived like 12.30 am in carlos (carlos is closing 1 pm ) and headed straight for the bar and bought 3 drinks my friend paid for them, so besides the bar there is a stage and people were dancing and there was natalee dancing too (thats the first time i saw her )and she was calling my friend to get on the stage and dance with her my friend laughed and refused so after the song was finished she came up to my friend and asked why he won't dance with her , i only heared that part because i was talking to someone else so i don't know what he responded(by then natalee was VERY drunk)so as i said i was talking to someone when i turned i had lost my brother , natalee and my friend. well they were announced that they were closing soon so i thought well maybe they' re waiting for me by the car its better i go there so i went to my car and nobody was there so i started playing music and was waiting on my brother and my friend.i waited for like 10 min and then i saw my brother stepping in the car and my friend who was with natalee. so i was surprised but anyways i started the engine and my brother was besides me and my friend and natalee were in the backseet so i started cruising in the area and asked my friend whats going on so natalee responded to me ''hey its no prob let us just drive around and have fun its my last night , she said you can drop me off later at holiday inn anyways right'' i said sure why not so as i was drove out of the carlos road and got on the mainroad there were natalees friends and she , pushed het head out of the window and screamed something i can't recall.so i was driving very slow to make a left to get in the next road and then one of natalees friend screamed for her to get out of the car , and she refused so then i stopped my car and i said natalee if your friends want you to go with them its better you go listen to them and go with them , she said no i will stay with you guys i will get a lift from you anways later, so she said bye to her friends and i drove away, so then we were just talking etc, in the car and then she said she wanted to see sharks ,it was by the lighthouse she saw them before that can we go , my friend said ok ,deepak lets go. so on my my to the lighthouse there was music playing and noone talking for a while when i looked in the backmirror my friend and natalee were kissing and touching (his hands etc was in her blouse but nothing nude or against natalees will ) so my brother siad just leave them for a while untill we get to the lighthouse, when i arrived at the lighthouse i said well here is the lighthouse they did not pay attention to me , so my brother said lets return (i did not stop anywhere not for a min only trafficlights) so after like 10 min my friend is telling me that natalee fell asleep i said you kidding just wake her up and tell ask her if its holiday inn for sure she is staying so my friend woke her up and confirmed with natalee she was staying at the holiday inn, so i drove to the lobby driveway of holiday inn and then we woke her up, she got out of the car and fell on the floor my friend said damn she fell and then rushed out of the same door natalee came out and picked her up immediately, after she stood up she pushed my friend and said leave me alone or something like that i can't recall , my friend offered to help het to her room she said no. she he stepped in the car and while i was driving away i saw natalee walking towards the lobby and a gentleman with a walkie talkie and black clothes approached her and i think they were talking and i had never seen natalee again sinds.(holiday inn has no cameras in the driveway or lobby) it was around 2.15 am .monday i came to work normally 4- 11 pm after work i called my friend i said whats up he said ok i'm at the raddison casino meet me there , i said ok so i went there we played poker , we had some drinks and chat and then we had enough and decided that this casino was booring lets go to whyndham hotel casino . so i drove to whyndham and as i was parking my friends dad called him and said the police is at his home with some family members its about the girl you guys went out with yesterday , so my friend said wait there i be there, so we rushed at my friends home and there was the police and nataless family and it was a nightmare sinds then. the police asked us if we knew this girl showed us a picture we said yes thats her , they said she was missing and eyewitness say she was the last seen with you guys . so they asked a few more questions and we said we don't understand we left her at holiday inn lobby drive way how could she dissapear and then natalees stepfather jumped and said ''yes thats because after she went with you assholes she lost'' and then my friends father jumped and said thats enough you can't talk to the kids like that this is not the us your out of you juristiction this is not the way i want you people out of my yard i know the law (my friends father is e judge) so afterwards another family member of natalee suggested to the police if we can id the security gard we said ok. we went there there was no suck security working there as we discribed. so then we were just standing in the lobby there were questions etc. asked by other members , and then me and my friend walked to the car natalees mom was sitting and we said mam you have to believe us we did not do anything with you daughter, she was crying and said i don't believe you 2 , i promise you i will make you life a living hell because of this . anwyas we said we were sorry again ans that we will help in any way possible.i went home 7 pm tuesday, i was then called 2 pm by the police for questioning i went gave a statement they said i was a witness no suspect the same went for my brother and my friend they were questionded and had to sign their statement also , the checked my car and i was clear to go , wednesday i was called again to show them how i drove the route that day ( i could refuse was my right i still decided to go , as did my brother and friend ) the drove us one by one and then we were free to go again.thursday morning my friend called me (he goes to aruba international school and his mother is a teacher there and he is a straight A student ) in panic and said there a re family members here at school and they are sharing flyers and the flyers said : GIRL KIDNAPPED ASK JORAN VANDER SLOOT (thats my friends name ) the principle asked them to leave and they did .so thats my part of the story yesterday and today it was quiet no treathen phoncalls what we got before and i won't mention the crazythings the newspapers etc. writes about us its to much to mention. at home my mom is losing it she is cryimg constantly , my dad bloodpressure got high also his hands are red , my friends home is a disaster also ,his mom is crying constantly also his dad is pretty cool he calmes us down and talks to us also not to worry , my brother is preety cool but on his face you see he is worried , my friend is pretty worried also. i'm pretty worried also , we have 2 lawyers one for my friend and one for me in case we get arrested and charched with something his dad can't defend hin he is a judge and he is too emotional attached .my friend has his graduation this thursday he has to go to the states in july he has a full scholarship. i had to go to vacation also end of this month.many politicians find we should be locked up rightnow.We heard a lot of false alarms that she was dead , she was seen with 2 guys , her hair is cut and is red now ,she was in a crackhouse etc, we were arrested and , my car is by the police we confessed to murder and rape, she went in a restaurant to buy food but none of those were true.So (name deleted) that was my part of the story what i said here is the same in my statement,people are saying they are bad guys lock them up , the family is going thru a lot righnow , but what they don't know how the other families feel and how they also have a reputation and carreers etc. because when this all is over they will still be talks that were the 3 guys that had something to do with the kidnap of natalee its a small island.they don't understand the pressure we are having also, if this girl turns up dead we have a problem we were the last seen with her . I lost a lot of friends who think we had to do something with this, many of my friends supported us also brought food etc. for us at home and know we are innocent, we are innocent also we promise i would NEVER hurt anyone in anyway, i would do every everything to help find her thats what we told eveyone also , i would take a bullet to save her and bring her back to her family if i had to so would my friend also.i would never never hurt anyone i'm a very happy and social person who likes to make friends with people and not hurting them

So (NAME DELETED) i will say goodbye now hope you believe me and i pray to god that they find natalee soon and find her well so that this nightmare ends for all of us and they we prove we had nothing to do with this, i hope you pray for all of us say hi to everyone there hope to hear from you soon and may god bless.........

bye bye

Deepak.

[Cmoney]

JMO...but I think that email is a hoax. There weren't any headers included when it was posted on SM, were there?