Update

The need to consult some sources from within the MSM to Aruba and back to Alabama has taken some time and a toll on me. I have not begun writing the post I mentioned as a result but am starting when this is done and I hope to have it up by 12:30 - 1 AM at the latest.

The freedom of a blog is that I can talk about what I want when I want and longer term readers know I am guilty of exercising that option at times. I'll make this short and get to work but I need to clear my head and writing can do that, sometimes.

Never have I been so moved by so many people putting such trust in me than now. Because of some questions and comments being made on blogs, in the MSM, etc, I wanted to tell the story of what happened from the perspective of an observer of events from the time Natalee appeared to be missing, until the time that Joran Van der Sloot and Satish Kalpoe were first confronted by the police.

In trying to tell that story, and the broader unfolding story of Natalee Holloway in general, I have recently had the good fortune of talking or emailing with individuals I cannot and will not name from ABC, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Aruba, and Alabama. The MSM has been mostly very collegial and helpful - the people of Aruba and Alabama simply amazing.

The last confirmation I needed to believe that I could tell this story with 100% certainty just ended and left me a bit upset, in part because of the trust some have bestowed upon me in this ... in part because I felt closer to this story than I ever had and it was very difficult.

I have not intruded on the family to confirm this story. It is accurate and detailed - and I have no doubt I could hawk it to the MSM. I won't. I didn't get into this for money - I was drawn to a story for which I wanted to know the truth. Many truths we still don't know and, unfortunately I cannot address the most critical.

But I can and will address some truth and give it to you - it's your story after all, as much as it is mine. I apologize for the delay and wordiness. Had I slipped right into news-speak after my last conversation, I would have felt dirty.

For some growing impatient, please don't email. I don't believe you will disappointed and this is not some simple, or self-promoting game for me. I started a blog to, partly, put myself on it, not just the news. This is me.

Comments

[Getagrip]

You are an amazing man, Dan. Thanks for keeping us informed as to your state of mind and otherwise. I can imagine how much you have riding in all this, and respect the decisions you have made throughout.

I will sit on my hands and await your report - whenever you feel ready to publish it.

[BB]

Man, just reading that gave me chills. We'll be patient and just do what you do best. Thank you for your continued devotion to this story.

B in Birmingham

[Pee]

Like B, i too am waitin patiently. Take ur time, do ur stuff n don't post/do anything unless ur comfortable with doin it.

P in S.E Asia

[Mark]

I am preparing for the worst. Part of me doesn't want to hear the final words as I keep hoping that maybe a body won't be found and that she is alive somewhere. Over the weekend when Dan posted she was dead, I felt a feeling rush over me I don't think I will ever forget..I couldn't possibly begin to imagine the feelings that the family and friends of this wonderful young girl are experiencing

[lee]

one question.....when do you sleep?...( or eat or drink or take a shower, for that matter)

[Whitney]

Dan (guess that'd be your name):

It's people like yourself and the boys at www.powerline.com, for example, serve as and example in more than just one way. If I were several years younger, the phrase, "I wanna be like Mike," might reflect the respect I feel for your spirit from which you approach your avocation.

I've got one monitor open to your website and I'll just refresh it periodically, tonight. Go with God/god/the force!

[sb]

Thanks for what you are doing. So very many of us are praying and hoping for Natalee and her family. We are prepared to wait and I certainly understand the stress of the knowledge you have.

[just me]

I'm not a regular poster, but an avid reader here since this case began. You've been more on top on this story than most news networks and so far, I've not found ANYTHING you've written to be false!!!! I sent you an email with some 'info' that I thought you might be interested in. Keep up the good work!!!

[kelsy]

I never read your blog until hearing about the Natalee Holloway disappearence. You should be proud of yourself! Your reports have been honest and above board. I only hope you know how many of us come to your site several times a day to get the best info on the net. You're doing a terrific job!

[Mel]

I cannot imagine what Natalee's family and friends are going through, nor can I imagine the pain those that were on the trip with her are feeling. My own 16 yr old daughter is going to Australia for 2 weeks in the near future. Needless to say, I will hug her a little tighter and be much more apprehensive with this case fresh in my mind.

Dan, what I do know is that I rest easier knowing that their are folks like yourself out there who care and get involved for the truth and out of genuine concern.

Keep up the good work, and do try to get some rest. I imagine that our posting tonight will not make sleep easier for you, but hope you find some comfort in knowing you and your work on this topic and the many others you have covered, is appreciated.

[Matt]

I came onto your blog following the Natalee Holloway disappearance and I cannot begin to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your forthright, accurate and principled reports. The MSM has a lot to learn from you IMO. Finally, I am going to keep any negative thoughts aside and hope fervently for Natalee's safe return.

[Kim]

I never looked for a blog until Natalees disappearance, and I must say that when I found yours I have kept "refreshing". I live in Daytona Beach, FL and it is difficult to hear what is going on especially since the verdict came in on M.J. You must be quite the insomniac. So am I. God bless....

[JustMe]

I found this blog while searching for stories after Natalee disappeared. It is excellent.

Write the story. Write it for the pure pleasure and satisfaction of telling what you believe to be true.

[Anjel]

Hello. I want to thank you very much for your time and effort to get news to us so way ahead of the usual sources. Sometimes things you have mentioned days ago are just now being mentioned almost 5 days later etc. I came across your site when searching the internet for more in depth info on Natalee. Yours is the first site I refresh and open for news updates. I just dont understand why when they have the boys in custody that they cant inject them with truth serum to get info out of them. They are playing cat and mouse over there at the expense of poor Natalee;s family. My prayers to her mom and family. I think there is a cover -up going on in Aruba because te outcome of this case is going to greatly affect Aruba's tourism. Thats for sure!. My daughters spent 2 weeks on vacation there within the past 4 months. Maybe thats why I feel a closer connection to this tragedy...Thought it was an extremely safe place..was event hinking of buying a rental unit there... BUT NOT ANYMORE! No matter what the outcome. Just seeing the way the Aruban authorities are handling this makes me sick to my stomach. God bless and comfort the Holloway family. May you son have peace and Natalee back. Thank you again Dan.

[raj]

Yes, I agree, this blog is excellent and informative. I relate to this in several ways: I grew up in Alabama, went to school in Birmingham, and now attend medical school in the Caribbean. I know someone who died on her senior trip a long time ago and it was quite a shock for the entire community.

[MIke in Tx]

Dan,
You are appreciated! The others say it more eloquently then I, and as a father of two teenage daughters this story has really caught my attention. Thanks for all you have done.

I will pray for Natalee and her family.

[Nic]

Dan,
I just want to say your work is amazing, you are doing a great job on covering this story and I will continue to read your blog it the future for breaking news and commentary.

[Kyle in MS]

Thanks for your time as well. Came upon this site after doing a google search trying to find out more about this case. Your blog has been very informative, and I wanted to thank you for the time you have spent.

[iquitos]

Dan: Over at scary m we are all waiting with baited breath for the next installment. Do you still expect to get it out imminently?

[I Thought]

To Anjel,

I Think that here in Aruba, the authorities are more interested in solving the case than in having a public relations circus, where they have to come forward everytime they have a new lead, information or everytime they speak to the suspects.

You said you did not like how the authorities are handling the case... how do you know how they are handling the case? They are not releasing information that can hurt the investigation!!! Please get that. In America they care more about their image because the media can do big things.

What makes me sick to my stomach is the way how you based your conclussion on media attention and prejudgments. We have not have an official statement yet from the OM (prosecutor's office) and if they gave one, I can assure you it won't be much 'cause they are still in an investigation!

What we know now, it's something the authorities may have known since the beginning when they released the three guys and have them surveilled and have their phone and internet (confirmed)tapped and car followed. They had to make a mistake and they did.

[LetsHelp]

I Thought,

The reason I question the handling of the case is that with three very young suspects we still don't have any confessions and we still do not have Natalee's location!

How can three teenagers be outwitting and stonewalling the police this effectively?

It can't be denied there have been many mishaps in this investigation both from a procedural and a communications standpoint. It doesn't inspire confidence.

If I saw an investigation being handled like this, with the prime suspects questioned together initially and not pressed into giving detailed statements and no physical searches conducted for 1-2 weeks I would be just as critical.

[CINDI IN PA]

All of the posters here are wonderful. I had first started to follow this story through the AOL message boards, so much of what was posted there contained very angry nasty comments, with the exception of a few posters.
As I sit and read all of these posts, I can not help but first give thanks, that I myself am still alive, having survived the teen years of the 70's.
What happended to Natalee could have happened to me, and It sure as hell could happen to my daughters. From all accounts of her friends, she is a kind, loving, trusting person, something we want all of our kids to be. Regardless of the outcome, I continue to pray for Natalee, and her parents. And on the other hand, having a son that just got into trouble, nothing serous, although it could have been, I too pray for the accused family. I can not imagine being in either of their shoes.
May God be with all of you.

Cindi in PA

[CINDI IN PA]

EASY LETSHELP, simply tell them to remain quiet. In Aruba as it seems, no body, no charges for murder. If these were my kids, being accused and held, my first move would be to get them the best attorney I could, to first make sure all of their rights were being protected. My second move would be to let them know, if you had anything to do with this, speak up and take responsibility for what you might have done. However not being a legal pro, my first suggestion would be to confide in their attorney. As much as we do not like it, criminals have rights too, and that is not to condone a crime committed, but to protect the rights of those accused. And you could argue that point all the way to the bank, I had a client who plead guilty to a crime, only to take the stand and state that the house being entered was believed to be the grandmother of the person he was with. Law, a complicated event..........

[LetsHelp]

Ravage, No one knows who allegedly said those statements, the Aruba official who told the media that one had confessed to killing her and then that 'something bad happened' said he was a victim of a mis information campaign.

Tsunder,

Yes, I've heard Joran was bragging about having sex with Natalee and that he told people she 'might have drowned' I am wondering, if you really are a classmate of his, if this is true

[EmeraldGal]

Thanks Cindi......

Nicely stated!

[EmeraldGal]

Dan works best under pressure.....

Be patient.....he'll be awake all night if he has to.

If he is unable to finish up...he'll post to let everyone know.

[EmeraldGal]

LetsHelp,

It's unlikely that these 3 could outwit and stonewall the police...alone! It's apparent they were coached, and still are being coached by someone that has knowledge of the law and "connections".