Update: 9:20 PM

Managed to talk to a couple people in Aruba on the way home - the island's cell phone service leaves much to be desired, it seems. Please keep in mind that anything could happen at anytime - there's no way to write this in real time. I can only report what I know at this minute.

One source claims the search is over and that it was based entirely on the statements of the two brothers. I don't always know what has already been reported as I don't usually monitor the media as soon as I get free of work. If some of this is redundant - sorry. Second source wasn't sure search was over, but both see nothing coming of it. The sunlight is gone anyway. Neither could point to a clear direction for any search efforts tomorrow - thought they might not have that info in the first place.

Not fully understanding the methods of interrogation employed in Aruba - I was surprised to hear that there might be a confrontation tomorrow where the security guard and Joran will actually sit across from one another during questioning in an attempt to get at the truth.

Now, this is where communication issues I have mentioned earlier can create problems - confrontation can mean many things to different people and communications are also complicated by the above mentioned issues with cell phones. Imagine talking through a string and a tin can to someone with different speech patterns, inflections, etc ... not to mention that you both have a different first language. But desk does mean desk and across from is fairly clear - so, that is what I have been told.

Joran is sticking to his story. Presumably an announcement of pending resolution of the case depended a lot on the statements of the two boys panning out and a body being found today. Given the results of today's search so far, that resolution is looking more iffy. However, there is always the real possibility that some have knowledge different than that. No one report from the island will likely yield a complete truth.

As an aside - regarding the period when Natalee first left with the boys, I have hit sort of a conflict which perhaps someone has already resolved. One report that didn't make it in my timeline story is an interpretation of events in front of Carlos And Charlies.

One version I have heard is that Natalee got in the car with the boys as the group was walking off down the street to Mumbo Jumbo, a nearby club. Reportedly, the boys turned the car around, perhaps - or somehow drove back past the group of students Natalee had been with and as they drove by Natalee rolled down her window and was said to have yelled - Aruba!! Aruba!! - or something to that effect.

However, I have recently come upon another version that suggests that wasn't the case at all. If anyone knows if this issue has been explored and resolved, I'd appreciate a heads up.

One item that caused me concern is that it is possible that some press may begin to back off a continued presence in Aruba. That does not mean the majors, by any means - or The Enquirer - which I also heard has a presence around the bar in Aruba at night with some other journalists. (Relax, I'm just bustin chops if ya read this, buddy) For now, I'm sure there will be a MAJOR press presence in Aruba for some time to come. But without at least an apparent momentum to events down there, the last thing I want to think about is a press that loses interest in this thing. Please don't over react to that - I'm not suggesting I think it's eminent.

If you'll permit me to end on a light note - I get a call today asking if I would consider doing O'reilly. The fellow, nice guy, says here call this guy right away, he's a producer there and wants to talk to you. Ya gotta say this, that and the other thing ... IE "pitch," I suppose. Hmmm Frankly I'm a little uncomfortable at this point but I call - I mean, what the hell. So, I tell him who I am etc and so forth ... he says GREAT Mr. O'Reilly wants to talk to some students that were on the Aruba trip ... can you set it up?? Damn - my fifteen minutes of fame down the drain procuring a date for Bill ... what a world.

But wait, it gets better. And, as an aside, I do have a fair amount of contact with MSM these days. So, I look at my email and there's ANOTHER producer from O'Reilly requesting a call. Hmmm again. So I call, tell him who I am. If I heard correctly the guy says, cool, I'm actually reading your blog right now! I was flattered. Great stuff, he says ... any chance you could reach out to a student from ...  yadda yadda yadda. I laughed, said, what am I a freakin SHCMUCK! LMAO

They were good guys, really had some laughs with the second guy, talked media a bit ... seemed very nice and I like O-however you spell it, though I don't watch much TV. Just thought it was a light minute I'd share ... I do get to have some fun.

BTW you want entertainment - check out Mark Levin if you can get him from 6-8 wabc radio NY. And do me a favor, mention my name - hell, I might call his producer one day : )

If any of my readers who do know of a student as per above that would want to do Bill O - drop me a note. If you're real, I'll put you in contact.

Sorry for the run on. If I hear anything new, I'll be back later.

Comments

[katy]

has it occurred to anyone, that if you are the police, and you know where the body is, that would be the best way to avoid finding it? you could look all around, really put all your effort into it, and if you are trying to avoid finding it, it would be much easier if you knew where it was already. maybe they know, and don't want to find her.

[katy]

has it occurred to anyone, that if you are the police, and you know where the body is, that would be the best way to avoid finding it? you could look all around, really put all your effort into it, and if you are trying to avoid finding it, it would be much easier if you knew where it was already. maybe they know, and don't want to find her.

[prejud]

Katy,

Looks like you have watched too much US tv SERIES, like Miami Vice and the crooked cop. these are all americans.

Can't imagine your prejudice.

[Getagrip]

This is all very frustrating. I was really hoping for some kind of resolution tonight. If only to find Natalee, to provide some sense of closure to her parents.

In any case, Dan, I think this is just the prelude to your 15 minutes :) You're doing some great work here, and that for sure is not going unnoticed.

P.S. katy, are you double-clicking the 'post' button? all your posts are showing up in duplicate. If that's the case, just click the 'post' button once.

[NM]

Dan,
Don't your employers know the importance of this blog! :) Thanks for the great info.

PW,
Thanks. I'm here.

[katy]

nope, just pressing POST once. don't know why it is showing up twice.

prejud- why are you saying the police in Aruba are americans? they are Aruban police.

you are naive if you think the police in Aruba are just like US police system. this has nothing to do with a US tv show.

[katy]

nope, just pressing POST once. don't know why it is showing up twice.

prejud- why are you saying the police in Aruba are americans? they are Aruban police.

you are naive if you think the police in Aruba are just like US police system. this has nothing to do with a US tv show.

[tideroller]

Dan, Could you please elaborate on which story it is that Joran is sticking to? The original one or the one where it is claimed he said the brothers dropped him off at his house and drove on off with Natalee? Thanks.

[pw]

NM,

Great! Glad you made it. :)

[NM]

I wonder if the reason the police did not pick up Joran earlier is b/c he was in his final year of high school and about to have his final exams.

According to the June 3 Newletter of the International School of Aruba, the school attended by the 17 yr old suspect.

Exams were on Monday-Wednesday Jun 6-8.

The Joran was brought into custody as a suspect at 6 A.M.on Thursday June 9.

http://www.isaruba.com/breeze/documents/BreezeJune32005.pdf and http://www.isaruba.com/documents/EndofSemesterIIExamSchedule2005.pdf

[Dan]

Tideroller - To the best of my knowledge he is sticking to the new story which conflicts with the brothers and the guard - that he was dropped off early. But I may have blown it - that's what I found strange. It sounded to me as if it was the security guard with whom he would be confronted, isn't that the guy who said he confessed, cried, etc? Frankly, I pay little attention to their statements as I assume they are lying.

[John]

Here is what I think happened guys, at the risk of sounding callous: All three boys were involved in a routine GHB gangbang (party towns are known for it) and the woman overdosed and died. Not uncommon. They know that they will appear equally guilty of rape and murder. This explains why none of them can come clean with the location of the body. One dead girl, three separate semen samples and enough ouzo and horse tranquilizer in her to kill one. By playing their stories off against each other they can all beat the charges by creating reasonable doubt. They are setting up their court cases as we speak!

[Nick]

Never thought I'd say this, but I'd like to see some hometown (USA, that is) cops go in and do their dirty work, which I usually am uncomfortable with. Standard procedure: Take each kid in a room with two interrogators. Play good cop and bad cop. Make kid think bad cop is going to hurt kid. Then, good cop tells bad cop to go out for a walk. Good cop then apologizes, gains kid's trust, does some religous guilt crap, tells kid they found the body and they've got a slam junk murder case on him. The good cop tells kid he likes kid, and wants to see kid get off easier, 'cause good cop knows kid has a good heart. Good cop says if you confess to the murder that we already have conclusive evidence that you committed, you'll get off with probation. Good cop says I promise, I have authority to broker this deal. Kid confesses. Good cop was lying (of course). Case closed. Happens all the time in the USA.

[Lesli]

John - Totally agree with you. I have obsessively stuck with this story as I am so bothered by it's inconsistencies, etc. I have two children and the thought of losing either of them makes me nauseous. I have so many questions, like most of you, which don't make a damn bit of difference at this point frankly. I keep trying to convince myself that the investigation is going no where because she is alive and officials know this. ( I know...ridiculous) My prayers are with Natalee's family. This is sickening. Dan - You have done an amazing job at reporting. Seriously, a wonderful job. I don't even watch the news. I just reload this site and look for new info. Thanks.

[JustMe]

John:

I don't think your scenario is the least bit far fetched. I remember reading on the internet several days ago (don't ask me where because I cannot remember) that the three originally said that she had consensual sex with them all. I did not believe that then and I do not believe it now. The only way that happened was if she was drugged.

Now they are apart and not being informed as to what the others are saying. I don't think they possess the sophistication to hatch a plot to beat any legal system, not even Aruba's. But I do think that the brothers Kalpoe and Van der Sloot are breaking company and trying to protect their respective rear ends.

Did anyone watch the Fox News interview of Antonius Mickey Martin John? I'll provide a link below.

I am no psychologist but I question a man who avers to be telling the truth but looks down when he answers questions.

Also, John said that Deepak Kalpoe did not know who he was when he made his jail house confession. In my mind that is very questionable. Didn't they even ask each other why they were in jail?

John did say three things that would make it very easy to check the credibility of his story.

He said that Kalpoe told him the seating arrangement of the four people in the car. Even now forensic experts might be able to determine if what he related is true.

He said that Deepak told him he and his brother received a cellular telephone message from Joran Van der Sloot after they dropped him and Natalee off at the beach.

He also said that they (the Kalpoes and Van der Sloot) later communicated by e-mail.

It would be very easy to check to see if the last two statements are correct.

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player05.html?061405/usw_aruba_john_061405&FNL&Caribbean%20Mystery&acc&U.S.%20%26%20World&-1&col

[NM]

Fox news website has articles where the other security guard that was detained Abraham Jones and his attorney Chris Lejuz overheard Joran in his cell changing his story. Neither Jones nor Lejuz has been on U.S. news telling their story as Mickey Johns has been.

[NM]

Justme,
The students that saw Natalee in the car could also verify the seating arrangement in the car.

[JustMe]

NM:

I never read anywhere that Jones overheard Van der Sloot changing his story. I only read that he did it.

If you can provide a link without too much trouble I would appreciate it.

Not that a link really matters because I am utterly certain that all three of them are liars. They have proved that. And I think they all three easily could be rapists and murderers.

[Kim]

LeJesus att'y for security guard was on CNN, I think Scarborough County, and he said basically the same statements that the guard M. Johns said. Its a repeat and has been on a couple times tonight.

[NM]

Justme,
Here's the paragraph from the article
"They know these boys have been lying," Jones' attorney Lejuez told FOX News on Monday, saying his client is in a cell next to Van Der Sloot's and overheard the boy giving the new explanation. "They should not keep our clients any longer and yet they do."

Here's the link
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,159327,00.html

[ynk]

you know...I think Aruba is doing a great job and with that said and al the tabloid throwouts it is hard to believe anything that is being said from MSM -I think that the search should continue and look for further suspects and other leads beyond our imaginations...you never know how far off all of this investigation could be at least to the viewers and onlookers.

[Island Hopper]

The Aruban polis did a great job securing the evidence today. We all watched on internetional TV as a young man waved around a pair of panties, the condoms and tape he found while your polis walked around. They obviously wanted the potential evidence to be destroyed. There is no other excuse.
Your authorities brag of no murders but I'd bet you have an awful lot of unexplained accidental deaths on that island. That sure helps boost your tourism doesn't it? Is that why so many seem to think women put themself into the situation to be raped, hence no rape? Keeps the crime stats down and that is good for economy and what is good for economy is good for all the residents right?

[Michele]

Dan, those kids are not going to talk and neither are their parents.

There is a lid clamped down on this whole situation.

They are already rich so they can't be bought, as far as talking goes.

They have parents who know who to make things happen AND keep things from happening.

Like even a LIST of people who went being found out.

That information is in a deeper darker hole than I expect that Natalee's body is in.

[BB]

Did anyone see Geraldo on O'Reiley? Has this supposed s*x tape that JVS made and sold in Aruba been confirmed? That was the first I'd heard of such a tape, and would be pretty damning evidence at this point.

[ynk]

the panty thing was off the wall...and what a day...it was crazy, I agree that there was some mess...I guess there is something refreshing to see or not see Aruba do its work/investigation...everthing in america is in your face and distorted so often when it comes ot cases like this...so, okay maybe they are simply just doing the best they can and I'll leave it at that but I am not convinced from what I know and hear that these guys are at the bottom of this case...where's the evicence and without fox shit!!!

[Sarah]

Well from things I've read, etc. etc. I think there is alot more crime in Aruba than the statistics show. Like one person said, probably alot of their deaths are ruled accidental to cover it up. The higher the statistics of crime, the less tourists they will get and as we know, their entire livelyhood is dependent on American tourists coming to Aruba. Also it sounds like Joran was allowed to take his exams before he was picked up.. now tell me thats not preferential treatment to a government official's son!!! I also understand the police probably wouldn't have ever questioned this boy had Natalee's parents not pressured them to. It was her parent's idea to go to his house initially to question him, not the police!!

[Island Hopper]

Sarah,
Not to mention that his mommy is a teacher at the private school he attends. Surely, she made arrangements for him not to be arrested before his finals and to get them taken care of. What a thoughtful mommy dearest. Did you see the photo of of Joran and his mommy and daddy. Very attractive. http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=686609&postcount=156

[Chel]

Just heard on the O'Reilly Factor that tomorrow nite on his show he will have some of the other teens from Alabama that were on that trip with NH. Sounds like it could be interesting

[rtriangle]

One or more of those three punks is responsible. Otherwise, why would they keep changing their stories? From day one, each of them has come up with a story to deflect blame from themselves. First it was the security guards... and now it is the Surinamese brothers suggesting it was the Dutch boy, the Dutch boy suggesting it was the Surinamese brothers. This is classic criminology. All three were involved some how. So I think the gang rape during overdose is possible... when they realized she was dead they panicked.

[rtriangle]

I also whether there were more accomplices involved in disposing of the body. Could the body been moved from its original location? Was there enough time for a relative to take body of the island while the police delayed in arresting these three and went after the security guards? Natalee may never be found...

[Deam]

Even though Joran is punk with a "untouchable air" about him, he is probably inhumanly following the same advice from his dad and attorney to lie until you die and no body means no solid evidence. Better to sit n jail as an accused than as a convict. Also, I have a feeling that this lucifer had the smarts to figure out that the cleanest way to dispose of her would be to dump her in the ocean which could provide many mysteries if no one witnessed the murder. Not bury her. If think he drugged her, he had unwelcomed sex with her, she probably threatned to turn him in, and then he chocked her and dumped her body in the ocean. This would have been the cleanest way to dispose of her and the threating situation. He is street-smart, academically talented
(if the rumors about his scholastics are true) punk
with a dad who works with crimals and knows a thing or two about the justice system.

[rtriangle]

Deam,

I agree with that scenario to some degree but I don't believe he could dump her into the ocean on his own. He couldn't possibly do it from shore. I think he'd need a boat and probably some help. I also don't believe that the Surinamese punks weren't involved. The lie at the beginning suggests all three were involved. Why would they take such a risk in covering up for Joran if they dropped him off with the girl at the beach? Maybe they supplied the drugs and that is all but they must have been at least accessories.

[rtriangle]

Deam,

I very much agree that his father could be involved. Most fathers will do anything to protect their sons. Didn't Riehl say that his father was at the house when the police, Natalee's parents, and the Alabaman businessmen showed up to question Joran in the days after the disappearance? He said his son was in the casino. They all went to the casino and suddenly his son called from home. Very strange considering the Dutch family must've known about Natalee's disappearance at that point. Suspicious to say the least. I wonder if the Aruban police put a tail on both Joran and his father in the week before Joran was arrested. Wasn't another judge brought at the time they decided to arrest the three punks? Wasn't someone taking off the case?

[josie]

Has anyone thought about this theory? Maybe Van der Sloot is innocent and the 2 creepy-looking brothers are the culprits. Van der Sloot is te cute friend and I'm sure the one who gets the babes. What cute 18 year old American irl would be attracted to the 2 brothers that look like 9/11 terrorists?
The 2 brothers are so sick of this rejection and Natalee turns them down, they get mad, rape her and then kill her.

[Island Hopper]

Perhaps Joran has a fishing hut out there and a small boat. Would that be too unusual? Maybe a friend's or one of the brothers' friends. He surely had a place to take his conquests besides his parents house. Funny that Joran was reportedly in the casino with his father when he was first wanted for questioning in the disappearance of Natalie on Monday Afternoon.

[js]

I think she was sold into slavery by the two Surinamese brothers via a 'Gypsy boat' and taken to Curacao or other parts of the Netherlands Antilles. The brothels in these places are listed on the internet by name address and phone number, including rates etc.

[Ari]

The missing body (if dead) is truly a mystery. The search efforts were extensive, involving hundreds of
soldiers, divers, dogs, and the local population. Considering all this, it is unlikely that her dead body
is anywhere in Aruba.
Some of the posts are extreme. They convey a protestant ethic that belongs to another century (if not
another planet). Common sense says: two 18 years olds leave a club, they like each other, and are
eager to make love. There is nothing more natural than that. They have two more friends with them, and
it is most likely that they ask to be dropped off at a place which is walking distance to the Hotel, so that
they can enjoy some privacy. What happened after that, is really puzzling. But remember, Joran is not
a New York psychopath who chases a jogger in central park. He is with a girl that likes him, and
keen to enjoy her last night in Aruba.

One thing that nobody has mentioned, is that two 18 year olds making love in the beach are somewhat
vulnerable (both of them), even in a peaceful place like Aruba. But this doesn't lead anywhere.

Another direction is: was there someone among her classmates that had a crush on her, who could
become furiously jealous when he saw her leave with the Dutch boy. Someone, that as a result
of this could not go to sleep and was pacing furioulsy around the Hotel. But even in this case, where
is the body.

This is definitely not a simple story.

[Getagrip]

"Think about it, if Joran was not involved why would he have to change his story?"
All 3 changed their stories. That's the problem. Either one is the correct version of accounts (or close to it) or both new stories are additional lies. What we seem to know for sure is that the 1st story - on which they all reported that they dropped Natalee at the HI after swinging around the lighthouse - is wrong.

I wish I could ignore the comment on the Kelpoe brothers' looks, but I cannot. That was ignorant and racist. They are of East Indian origin - not Saudi, Pakistani, or any other arab persuasion.

In any case, I can't help but come back to search for more news (sorry if we're killing your bandwidth Dan!)...I just pray that what was reported on some other blogs, that the Dutch chief of the Aruban police told a Dutch reporter (and not any other media) today that the case is solved and everything would be settled within 24 hours.

[lee]

first off, to Arubans on this board...yes, we have unsolved crimes in America and yes sometimes our justice system does not work....OJ and Blake and now MJ....

but its the generalized approach to this case that baffles some of us.....almost as if the cops and the govt in general are doing all they can to protect the son of the judge as well as the two others....

really, not taking them in and quizzing them separately for hours from day one is unfathomable...

John.....I too think perhaps the three are in cahoots to ruin the case with many doubts in several directions....OR, the brothers themselvs concocted this scenario to make themselves less guilty.....anyways, I don't trust them ....

there is one thing missing from all the talk about the boys alibis ......that is, where are the witnesses?....where are the people that can verify where they were?......this is a vacation island, and surely there must have been more people than just the Amigos and Natalee out and about.....why hasn't anyone come forward ?

[Kris Kringle]

Just a quick question, but we'll see if anyone can give me a definitive response. My question is concerning that photo of Joran, the one of him with the obnoxious grin on his face and the hand full of money.

This photo can be seen at the following URL(you will know which one I am talking about with the stupid grin on his face and the hand full of cash).

http://www.martin.isnw.org/lekkerdoelloos/paginas/joran.html

I've never personally been to Aruba, but is it commonplace for their citizens to deal in American Dollars? I know they have their own currency (the Aruban Guilder/Florin) and I am also aware that many countries still utilize the American Dollar in addition to their own currencies. However, should the case be that Arubans do primarily deal in their own currency, I would be curious to know why Joran has $70 in American bills in his hands in that photo. Possibly taken from some American tourist? Thanks for any help I receive with this query.

[Ari]

Some of the posters are expressing a sexual frustration here which basically centers around "Why did
she like this guy who is a foreigner, and not a clean cut Alabama boy". The answer is simple: erotic
attaction has no boundaries. Even her mother probably knows that Joran did not rape Natalee. Something
else happened. That is the reason for the FBI involvement. The Alabama Senator cannot involve the FBI,
only as a favor, no questions asked. They have to justify the involvement by quoting Federal regulations.
How did they justify it? Rape and murder is not an adequate reason, everybody knows that. So how
did they justify it: Human trafficking? Any theories? Is this an open record available to the public?
I doubt it, since there is an ongoing investigation.

[Kris Kringle]

Ari: I thought this article was pretty informative and did a good job of addressing the question you just brought up:

http://slate.msn.com/id/2120338/

[Tazman]

I used to work for a man that grew up in Hong Kong. His wealthy dad owned a yacht in the harbor. He used to call the "captain", to make sure the yacht was stocked and he and his friends spent many weekends on that yacht during their high school days.

How did J get home that nite? The brothers claimed they were already home. Maybe daddy has a yacht/boat & has someone on it all times to see to his & his families needs.

[Ari]

Kris: Thanks for the url. I am afraid, the article does not address the question. It sort of fudges the issue.
Their explanation is: "What's the FBI doing in Aruba? It's just helping out." There are probably dozens
of US citizens who die or vanish abroad under unclear circumstances. I don't think that there is an
FBI team assigned to each case. So the question is: What can trigger FBI involvement. I hope it
is not just knowing people in high places. I have more faith to our system. Even if one can influence
such a high degree of involvement, down the line it must be "audited" somehow.

[deam]

A couple of thoughts..
I do believe that Depak told Jones from several cells down about how they dropped off Natalee and Joran at the boat house. I do not believe this and am conviced that the two brothers, if they didn't participate in the rape (as not all guys are that demonic and they don't seem to as aggressive and cocky as Joran), I think they were there and they watched which makes them accomplises at the very minimum. Hence, their silence and brotherly loyality. Joran was party leader.
* I believe that they know with the FBI there and involved, there incarcaration could drag on for (years?) as long as their judicial system can postpone their trail and sit in jail while the investigation continues. Their "breaking" is key and I cannot imagine that the Dutch Supreme Magistrates
would not find exceptions to their time limits and ruin the best bullet they obviously have right now- sit in jail, with no end in sight, till they break.
* I don't think Deepak was naive enough to think his conversations with Jones would not get out. I think
he was venting his anger at Joran for putting he and his brother in this predicament without totally ratting him out. Plus, I think he ment to send the police on another goose chase while knowing full well that everything happened at the more isolated spot of the lighthouse. If Joran, and I think he did, knew his intensions could get loud, ugly and needed seclusion, why would he opt to move the crime scene to a more public spot near the hotels? Doesn't make good criminal sense? I think the rape , murder and deposing of the body took place at the Lighthouse on the less traveled spot. She either O.D. or he stranled her and demanded that the brothers help him dump the body in the ocean .. more involvement for the two brothers.

[Ari]

Julie: I wonder? If someone is drunk, don't they follow their desires? I would dare say that
they follow their desires and insticts exclusively.

[Deam]

Calls from their cell phones that night would indicate if they called anyone local or "offshore" for assistence.. i.e. take her off the island. If there were no calls, that leads me to believe that they took care of the evidence right then and there. One nice thing about our country, (USA) is that our law enforcement has a prettty good track record when it comes to getting the accused to confess pretty rapidly, or is that only on N.Y.P.D. Blue?
Hope they get them soon for the families sake and God Bless Natalee's family and friends.

[dori]

I have been following this site for several days now, just reading and not commenting, but upon seeing that picture of Joran with that strap (or whatever) around that kids neck, I was most disturbed. He seems to be getting quite a bit of enjoyment out of it. This really bothers me.

[dori]

I forgot-it is in the link that kris kringle sent:
earlierhttp://www.martin.isnw.org/lekkerdoelloos/paginas/joran.html

It is at the bottom of the page-disturbing

[Joran in Jail]

Jorans other, still active blog, be quick!

http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=14905439&Mytoken=20050612111255