Family Of Natalee Holloway Hires Private Investigator

Earlier reports of voice analysis being done may have been false, but rooted to this investigator's previous visit on his own dimje to the island. It has been my understanding all along that, assuming the fund raising permitted it - the family would employ a private investigator if needed.

Contrary to some reports, the Twitty family is not wealthy, they are said to be a working class family.

Jug Twitty works for a metals company in Alabama and Beth works as a speech therapist.

Twitty grew up in Pine Bluff, Ark., and met her first husband, Dave Holloway, after college, family members said. The couple had two children, Natalee and Matt, 16. They eventually divorced and Twitty lived in Mississippi for several years.

In the late 1990s she married George "Jug" Twitty, who works for a metals company in the Birmingham area. She moved to Mountain Brook, a Birmingham suburb, and continued her career working with young children as a speech pathologist in the public schools, where she was hired by Standifer.

"I knew she was strong and smart," Standifer said. "That's why I hired her. But I've been surprised at how determined and strong she is." Twitty and her daughter were extremely close – "buddies" – in Standifer's words.

Natalee was sometimes called "Hootie" by friends, and Twitty at times took the moniker, "Big Hootie." "Beth took the summer off to help Natalee get ready to go to college," Standifer said. "She was an honors student and got a full scholarship to the University of Alabama."

As for the investigator, read below.

The parents of Natalee Holloway, the Alabama teenager missing in Aruba, have hired an Alpharetta firm to begin a private investigation.

The teen, who was in Aruba to celebrate her high school graduation, was last seen in Aruba six weeks ago.

“I was watching this case just completely start falling apart, and I felt bad for the family,” said T.J. Ward, a private investigator with the firm Investigative Consultants International.

Comments

[tmag]

Craig,
"Why must it be assumed that we know that they slaughtered Natalee, when we don't know that for a fact. Obviously something tragic happened to her, which she was not responsible for, but, it may have been a tragic accident, overdose, or something else, not deliberate."

Craig, that was a question, right?

I will answer with a question for you.

Wouldn't you think that someone who "assumes" that "they (Deepak, Satish and Joran)" might have something to do with "NH's tragic accident, overdose or not deliberate something else" is basing this "assumption" on the FACT that "they" built their story(s) on a lie, and then more lies?

Logic, Craig, he who has nothing to hide hides nothing.

If your daughter were missing. Would you go first to who witnesses say that she left with? Would you ask what happened that night? If you found that the person lied to you, would you realize that the truth was not going to be easy? Would you begin to try to figure out the truth? Might you make an assumption or two?

I, personally, don't assume any of these three guys are guilty of "slautering" NH. HOWEVER, I don't have warm fuzzies about their lies.

[kescah]

Craig, you said: Why must it be assumed that we know that they slaughtered Natalee, when we don't know that for a fact.

TRUE. We don't know. I don't think Joran would use the phrase "Something bad happened to Natalee," if he killed her. But I do think he knows what happened and is covering up something.

Then you said: Unless there is forensic evidence which comes back to tie Joran and the Kalpoes to this crime, Natalee may never have justice, and her family may never have closure.

I agree, they may be tied to the crime, but may not have committed it. However, they cooked their goose when they lied about things.

[calista]

I will pray for your son cindi...my husband is in the army as training to be a linguist in arabic and most likely will deploy to Iraq - it breaks my heart and scares me to no end but I have to support him even though I do not agree with it or the war

[calista]

it is sad but now I have tot hink will he be around in a few years will our baby have a dad still or is he going to die over there?

[Cindi in PA]

Calista, THANK YOU..........I will put your husband in my prayers. I however do support this war, maybe not from the beginning. But talking to my nephew and my best friends wife over the last few months. My opinion has changed. GOD BLESS you and your husband.

[pamy]

Have you all looked at the pictures and news on this web site? http://www.arubatoday.com/week/wednesday/wednesday20-07-2005.pdf

first of all, poor joran has lost a lot of weight. he is not enjoying prison and misses his mother's cooking, oh, okay, the snacks and booze in the casinos.

2nd there is an article about the poor turtles that used to nest where the high rise hotels are now and are trying to survive north of there between the hotels and the fishermen's huts where people go to mess around, but the lights on the street at night are confusing them when they break out of the shell and want to run to the ocean. so they are going to turn the lights off up there. that might cause even more crime and messing around.

[Cindi in PA]

Posted by: kescah | July 20, 2005 04:34 PM

tied to the crim or not, they had something to do with it. Stop kissing ass, it only makes you look stupid. How many times have you been abused in your life? You sure as hell fit the profile!

[Craig-n-Florida]

I agree with what you said kescah. Don't misread me. I do think Joren and the Kalpoes are covering up what happened to Natalee, or at the very least know more than they do. I don't believe that any of the Alabama kids were to blame. However, strange things happen, and until there's truth from both ends, the mystery may never be resolved. For some reason, I have sensed that just maybe this all was not date-rape gone bad, but, something to do with drugs. I was 18 and partied. I got good grades and was hardly a druggie, but, many hard-working good kids seek a little pot and a tab of ecstasy. Sometimes at 18, you are oblivious to the fact that illicit drugs have fatal consequences.

I'm not accusing Natalee of being a druggie, and it's also possible that she was out and out kidnapped and harmed by those boys. But, how do we know anything? I can imagine both scenarios, EASILY, yet, that won't solve this for her desperate family.

[calista]

thank you cindi - I just don't support the fact our military is over there without the right equipment to protect themselves and our president knows it also that I feel he barged in there wihtout enough evidence or facts and put us in something we cnt handle

[tmag]

Cindi from PA,
Give that young man a hug from the deep south. God love him and protect him. I pray he can make a difference in helping bring freedom, human rights and peace to this world.
Peace begins in our heart, our homes, our communities, our blogs and out to the world.

[tmag]

sad that a tourist has to hire a p.i. to investigate a crime in Aruba. Although the pictures look so beautiful, I don't think I want to go there. Beauty is only skin deep, or as my mother said, "Pretty is as pretty does."

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

[tideroller]

To the Natalee bashers - There is a difference between questioning and trashing that some of the above posters seem unable to distinguish. It is not trashing Joran to comment on substantiated behavior. He does exhibit anger management problems (banging the car, kicking his younger brothers (by his mother's own admission on international TV - I saw it!, etc.) He does frequent the bars and casinos and has been doing so for some time, although underage. He's not an honors student. He made the honor roll, apparently one semester in a school where his mother is also a teacher, that never hurts the GPA, does it? His scholarship is apparently a partial scholarship and is for tennis, not academics as in Natalee's case. He lies repeatedly. This is all factual and verified.
Now, on the other hand to just toss out wild, unsubstantiated theories IS trashing Natalee. There are no photos of her in any compromising way whatsoever, nor any testimony of her misbehaving. Her scholarship is legit for academics and all the way through med school. Now trying to project onto Natalee in somply not appropriate. Natalee is a different person. Besides, virginity is not that rare. I know several young people, even in their mid-20's, who have chosen to remain virgins.
If you have some proof, come out with it. But to proffer wild-hared vicious lies about Natalee is trashing. How could anyone stoop so low?

[Craig-n-Florida]

tmag, I understand how you feel. The Arubians have surrounded this case with secrecy, and that's the nature of their justice system. I think they mishandled the case from the beginning, in not being more aggressive with the last people seen with her, yet, look at the Jon Benet Ramsey case, the Chandra Levy murder, and countless other botched and unsolved murders in the USA.

Aruba is a gorgeous island, and you're probably safer there than in the other islands where the crime is much higher, or even many American and European cities, also prone to crime.

Don't judge the people of Aruba for a tragedy that they feel as badly about as most Americans. I know it's hard not to be mad at the seemingly pointless investigation and wall of secrecy. It annoys me too.

However, I'm not sure an American P.I. is a good idea. It could interfere with their justice system's due process. The family may get some answers, but, it may disqualify prosecuting this case in the end. That Dutch system is touchy... I know of other cases which were ruined when the family brought in outside investigators, particularly in other countries where there's an ongoing criminal investigation. It's different if the P.I. is there to establish that there was a crime, but, if this independent principality has already invested their resources in a case, I think it could be a potential problem, if a private P.I. uncovered something that they couldn't qualify by their protocol of appropriate procedure, seizure, and privacy of suspects, etc. Seriously, it sounds like a good idea to have a P.I. but, it's a double-edged sword if he uncovered something that the ALE missed.

[CC]

Pamy

That's a little negative no? They're supposed to have a low crime rate and all..And it's for a very good reason-this happens on a number of islands, it's a real tragedy for turtles-horray for the lights of initiative

[CC]

lights off

[CC]

I agree Craig-n-Florida, I was thinking that-it's quite delicate

[tmag]

Craig,
I see your points on your recent post, but I ask you, what would you do to avoid making the "assumptions" that you mentioned in your earlier post.

You say assumptions should not be made and you say that a p.i. should not be hired.

Not to make an "assumption", but if your daughter were missing, if the last people seen with her have told lies, would you make any assumptions of your own? Would you be inclined to hire a PI if enough people supported your cause of finding your child?

[harry]

Harry, thank you for serving. My best friends brother died in vietnam, as well as a neighbor. Even if you don't understand it, I am thankful.

Posted by: Cindi in PA | July 20, 2005 04:30 PM

That's not the point that I was making.

[andy]

THE GIRL DID NOT CHANGE HER STORY; IT WAS REPORTED WRONG, THESE WERE TWO DIFFERENT GIRLS. GET YOUR FACT IN ORDER. CLICK ON THE SIDEBAR TO DICUSSION 60 TO SEE THE ERROR.

Posted by: ((AG)) | July 20, 2005 01:24 AM

So sorry...the above was a little wrong. Interviews were with two different girls. The one tonight says Natalee first saw Joren at C&C.

[To Hell With Aruba]

What happened with the 2 bones that were found? Are they animal or human? Are they still sitting in a cooler in Aruba until the police staff comes back from vacation?

[pamy]

CC: I was suprised to see pictures of the area they searched in because they are trying to protect turtles. i feel very sorry for the turtles and hope they can survive. they are so close to so much activity.

[calista]

if there was nobody in aruba to handle the bines why weren't they sent to the netehrlands with the hair?

[Craig-n-Florida]

tideroller,
I wouldn't bash Natalee, and honestly, I don't see that in any comments. It's very possible she's a virgin, and I fully appreciate she's a gifted and special young lady.

But, some of your statements about Joren are based on the sensational media, and derived information. Maybe those accounts are accurate, but, let's not establish this as fact just yet. You don't know. Let's not bash Natalee, but, at least be fair about things. You're fair to believe Joren was responsible for whatever happened to NH, as I also believe is the case. But, I don't know Joren, his family, or the other boys. I don't know Natalee, her family, or her friends. You probably don't either.

There's a possibility there was a tragic occurrance, an accident, or a misadventure which spiraled into nothing but concealment, lies, confusion, and pain for all involved.
I don't feel like defending Joren, either, but, not knowing what he's all about, I can't assume he's a thrill killer, or even raped her. We don't know. PERIOD.

Your guess is as good as anyone else's and as good as mine. If I have several possible scenarios in mind, including drug overdoses, or partying, I don't feel anything different than if Natalee was attacked as an innocent victim, which she is. None of us are omniscient to know if Natalee was a virgin, or touched alchohol or drugs, and if any of that contributed to her going with these boys that night? We don't know if she went willingly. We don't know. So, don't present your beliefs as being established, just because Greta van Susteren, or other news media is pushing certain factoids.

I remember in the Scott Peterson case, there were myriad of factoids assumed as fact, and they never happened. They were disseminated by these exact same news sources. Their goal is ratings.

[Craig-n-Florida]

tmag-
sorry, didn't see your reply. To answer your question, would I want to hire a private investigator? I'm sure I would. Don't assume that I don't completely sympathize with the great mom and dad and step-parents who adore Natalee and want answers? My heart aches for them.

All I'm saying is that knowing a little bit about law, while not a lawyer, I know of a few cases where having an investigator work independently in an ongoing case, may be a double-edged sword. It may provide the family with some needed answers, but, if their methods of acquiring evidence is not acceptable to the Dutch system of justice, it could disqualify prosecuting the case. I'm not against the Holloways and Twittys. Oh god, I feel for them, whole-heartedly, and they're in my daily prayers. I just want whoever did this to be held accountable. But, if this is all they have, and they feel they just need the answers, I understand their need to interfere in the Arubian investigation, even if it does disrupt any future case against the perpetrators.

[pamy]

on scared monkeys they are now saying that the boys made up the story about the guards and dropping her at the hotel because joran knew everyone would be mad he left her at the beach and did not make sure she got home. how about that excuse?!

[To Hell With Aruba]

The Holloway's have no interest in prosecuting the boys. They made it clear they only want to take Natalee home and get off that island. The majority feel Aruba is incompetent and would not convict the criminals even if they had a body, confession and a video of the event. Aruba police are corrupt - the goal is to take Natalee home.

[calista]

The Holloway's have no interest in prosecuting the boys. They made it clear they only want to take Natalee home and get off that island. The majority feel Aruba is incompetent and would not convict the criminals even if they had a body, confession and a video of the event. Aruba police are corrupt - the goal is to take Natalee home.

Posted by: To Hell With Aruba | July 20, 2005 05:32 PM

EXACTLY

[calista]

on scared monkeys they are now saying that the boys made up the story about the guards and dropping her at the hotel because joran knew everyone would be mad he left her at the beach and did not make sure she got home. how about that excuse?!

Posted by: pamy | July 20, 2005 05:31 PM

ARE U JOKING ME? GIVE ME A BREAK............HE COULDNT DO BETTER THAN THAT ??

[usmcmom]

tideroller
I so agree. Throughtout these various forums some chastise those who have what is called "negative" opinions about Joran, Deepak, Satish, and Pauluus or "positive" opinions about Natalie. But these are opinions that we have formed based upon many examples of the individual's behavior. The young men have tickle sites that advertise their personalities as wannabe "pimps" so to speak. These boys have made various statements/lies to the Holloway/Twitty family and according to the prosecutor, they've lied to the police. We have the study/degree of Psychology/Behavioral Scienes specifically b/c history shows that there are types of differing human behavior. It is the "consistency" of an individual's behavior that categorizes that person. Not a "one-time" action. Natalies consistency of behavior seems to have been that of a highly-motivated kid w/o the whole party scene, therefore we think positive. Joran/Deepak's behavior/tickle sites speaks to the negative aspect of the teenage years. So we may not know the "facts" of this case. But I think we can safely say, we do know the past, consistent behavior of these boys and that's why we don't trust what the boys say. And a final note, what REALLY ticks me off about the whole he's just a "17-year old" guy, ya know, he was scared, he just lied to cover his butt. He didn't just lie and say they dropped Natalie off at the HI at 2:00 (which I could so see a scared 17-year kid doing) But he implicated a TOTALLY innocent person. That speaks volumes to me about Joran/Pauluss' complicity in the alibi.

[Craig-n-Florida]

Right, I can see if that's their primary goal to just find answers, their choice of bringing in their own investigator is solid, and well thought out. Under those terms, I agree with it. Maybe they do feel that this case will never be prosecuted, and I can understand how they just want to know what happened to my daughter. Having the boys spend their lives in prison doesn't bring Natalee home. :(

[Outraged in Mt. Brook]

Just to put this to rest...my child was on this Aruba trip. They have been questioned by the FBI...long ago. They've also been cautioned to be careful what they say to the press because they don't want the press to pick up on some random "teenage opinion" comment and running with it and blowing it all out of proportion or misinterpreting it, as we all know the press can do. All of the kids want Natalee back, so none of them are hiding anything. The McWane family offered their plane because they have a daughter that was on the trip and knew Natalee; if they hadn't, there is no way Beth Twitty could have gotton to Aruba so quickly. Parents of other kids on the trip have also offered their services and assistance. The Twitty's aren't rich by any means, but they were assisted by some of the well-to-do members of the Mt. Brook community who care about Natalee and the other kids. Three months ago, these girls would never in their wildest dreams have thought that they would be on national TV; they're not professionals being interviewed, just young girls. And I can guarantee you, none of these kids would have thought this tragedy would have happened on their trip; when I picked my child up from the trip, they all thought Natalee had just missed the plane and would be home latter that day. This event has blown all their minds, and I doubt any of them will ever be the same.

[To Hell With Aruba]

Joran, Deepack, Satish and Daddy are totally self motivated, greedy, murderers. No one will ever convince me of anything else. Daddy's lack of ethics and manipulation of the case is a prime example of the the entire Aruba police - they value manipulation, lying and murdering. They do not value justice - let the losers rot on that island.

[calista]

Just to put this to rest...my child was on this Aruba trip. They have been questioned by the FBI...long ago. They've also been cautioned to be careful what they say to the press because they don't want the press to pick up on some random "teenage opinion" comment and running with it and blowing it all out of proportion or misinterpreting it, as we all know the press can do. All of the kids want Natalee back, so none of them are hiding anything. The McWane family offered their plane because they have a daughter that was on the trip and knew Natalee; if they hadn't, there is no way Beth Twitty could have gotton to Aruba so quickly. Parents of other kids on the trip have also offered their services and assistance. The Twitty's aren't rich by any means, but they were assisted by some of the well-to-do members of the Mt. Brook community who care about Natalee and the other kids. Three months ago, these girls would never in their wildest dreams have thought that they would be on national TV; they're not professionals being interviewed, just young girls. And I can guarantee you, none of these kids would have thought this tragedy would have happened on their trip; when I picked my child up from the trip, they all thought Natalee had just missed the plane and would be home latter that day. This event has blown all their minds, and I doubt any of them will ever be the same.

Posted by: Outraged in Mt. Brook | July 20, 2005 05:39 PM

OK.....So your kid was cautioned about what to say in public and here u are on a blog talking about it?

[DennisAOK]

Craig-n-Florida,

The MB students did not choose to go on television and give useless interviews. A few were asked to be interviewed, and they consented. One said she thought she saw Joran talked with Natalee a couple of days before the final night, but has since corrected herself. This would hardly seem to be a major revision of events, and it is hardly the basis to conclude many MB students are changing their stories and holding back information.

To others, regarding McWane,

I worked with a guy a few years ago whose wife ran a small printing business. Wanting to be good corporate citizens, they contacted the EPA about the proper disposal of ink and other chemicals. What followed was a nightmare, as they could never get straight answers but were constantly reminded that they would be sued if the EPA found anything out of line. Don't assume the EPA, or any government agency, is always the "good guy". In any event, regardless of their environmental record, they helped out a family that was in a desperate situation. For that they should be commended.

[Craig-n-Florida]

I don't think it's fair to assume we know Natalee's pattern of behavior any more than Joren's silly Tickle site boasts of him being a pimp daddy, or whatever, just like every other Arubian male on that site. I mean, go ahead and think you know someone, whether angelic, virginal, perfect and sainted, or horned, demonic and murderous. It's a matter of perception. However, don't forget that Natalee went to a party island, and was gambling, out at a hedonistic club where people get drunk and carry on, and this includes bad boys from Aruba, along with good kids having fun from Alabama.

sheesh. It's obvious that Joren is not truthful and has some shame, guilt, or whatever, but, c'mon, to say you can judge human behavior based on a teenage boy's Tickle site beats all. check out your own son, or brother's internet social site if they have them. They're real eye-openers the way young guys describe themselves online, even good guys.

[Sarah]

You are exactly right usmcmom about these boys. I don't base my opinion of these guys on the sensationalism of the media whatsoever. Craig needs to go back from the beginning and read all the interesting FACTS about joran and the Kalpoe brothers. I think he will then change his opinion of these guys based on what THEY HAVE said and done, not what the media has said and done.

[To Hell With Aruba]

Not sure why Craig is so intent on taking up for Joran - we know Joran was out gambling (under age to be in a casino) on a school night and Dad had to call him to come home. Natalee was legal age in Aruba and was on a once in a life time vacation. Joran is garbage. His ethics, attitude and lyfestyle is garbage. Keep taking up for him if you like - you probably support OJ and Michael Jackson too, huh? Have you learned how to vote yet?

[Craig-n-Florida]

Yea, I hear you Dennis. I realize that the media is wooing the kids from Alabama, and they want to do the right thing. It is probably a good idea for them to stay away from the media. It's a no-win-ner, in my opinion.

I don't think the Alabama kids are bad. It's just appears like they can't, or decided not, be truthful. They're not helping by giving interviews and leaving more questions, but, I think their motives are to help Natalee, and I know that they are being asked to come on the shows, not the other way around.

[To Hell With Aruba]

I haven't seen a single interview yet that gave me the impression the kids were lying in any manner....you must have made that up to try and convince people of Joran's innocence.

[go turtles]

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/07/20/lucky.turtle.ap/index.html

[jkwan]

There are no working-class families in Mountain Brook. Period. Their home is modest only by MB standards and would probably sell for at least $400k.
That doesn't mean they're bad people or they're filthy rich...but to say they're "working class" borders on the ridiculous.

[Craig-n-Florida]

ToHellwith Aruba- You're entitled to your opinions. I am hardly Joren's advocate or fan.
To be honest, he makes me sick, too. However, this case is frustrating, and there is a lack of openness from all directions. You know what? I'm tired of being attacked, here, too. I'm tired of all the judgmental attacks. I am not condemning Natalee or the kids on the trip. I think Joren LIED. I think the Kalpoes LIED. I think they are HIDING WHAT HAPPENED TO NATALEE! Sheesh. Must people be willing to see all, or nothing at all?

I honestly think Natalee was a glorious child, full of potential, whose life was probably senselessly ripped away from her, through NO FAULT of her own, and no fault from any of the friends there that week.

I do hate sanctimonious and self-serving tripe, which is all I hear from the Alabama people who speak on t.v. or on these message boards. They do not engage my sympathy for them, only alienate me, because they are not genuine. Sorry Mountain Brook people. I think y'all are lying, and I don't buy it, and I don't like any of the lies and exaggerations from both ends of this case.

Unfortunately due to this fictionalized scenario from each side, this case will most likely go unsolved, and those like myself will lose interest because it is too tragic and senseless. A little honesty from at least one side would have helped the public keep fighting for this worthy cause. Rant and flame me. I don't care. That's my opinion, just like anyone elses. I'm outta here. Believe what y'all want. I'm sick of these attacks and this narrow minded and disingenuous propaganda about the Mountain Brook kids when THEY WERE GAMBLING AND DRINKING TOO. So what. Yet, they were doing nothing different than the Arubians, until Natalee vanished.

[To Hell With Aruba]

Jkwan is wrong - I know the area well and you can be working class and live in Mtn Brook - many people do it to get their kids in the EXCELLENT school system. JK's statement borders ridiculous!

[usmcmom]

Craig,
You're going to be ticked at me when I say this, but the MB kids where on vacation in Aruba drinking and gambling like everyone knew they would be. They don't do it everyday. But for Joran this was consistent behavior. It think that was the point people were trying to make. Agreed, Joran's underage drinking and gambling does not implicate him in Natalies missing/death, but his lies to authorities his is downfall.

[To Hell With Aruba]

One less idiot on the board. Cya Craig - hope you get that voting thing down pat before next election.

[Luke]

Calista,

As a parent
may I ask you..

Why in the world would you or any parent send 18 yr. old's to an island like Aruba.

You keep saying they were legal there....
certainly, but not if you would have sent them to a vacation place here in America

You were giving your kids a free ticket to party, drink and gamble.
QUITE A GIFT don't you think!!

How much gambling money did you give your child.
Apparently lots of gambling was going on.
I do wonder as others have asked....
WHERE and HOW did natilee get the money of her fathers that she had lost "to much of"?
Did she take it from him ATM.
That would have been very responsible now wouldn't it.
IF THAT was the case...I wonder how many others did that with their Dad's credit Card.
IF YOU WOULD have rewarded them with a trip to somewhere in the US THEY COULD NOT HAVE BEEN GAMBLING.

Parents, get your heads on straing about vacations like this for your 18 yr. olds.
I bet you all live to regret it.
Also, I bet other parents think twice now.

[Irked]

You people are SO NAIVE!!

The MB kids weren't just drunk off their azzes; they were on drugs, specifically Ectasy. Dan has reported this right here on his blog. We all KNEW those MB kids weren't acting normally, but God forbid if someone pointed this out, then everybody jumped all over them. It seems that those MBers are more concerned with protecting their IMAGE than helping get to the truth.

So, first you guys claim that their income is IRRELEVANT, then in the next breath you talk about helping them out. WHICH IS IT??

It's obvious that the Twitties are upper middle class. With the Holiday Inn allowing BHT to stay there for free, free rental car, etc. etc. (I heard that her Aruba stay isn't costing them a penny as far as expenses in Aruba are concerned) PLUS three or four funds already set up to help defray the family's expenses PLUS the multi-million-dollar book and movie deal that BHT will inevitably be inking they won't be getting a penny from me.

[NevadaMom]

Come on all of you, this is not theories or retribution or biblical remonstrations. We have to go by existing indications of Natlee's behavior. It may be that the teens did not tell the whole story, maybe they did not remember. So what, if the investigation had done forensic evidence on the cars and the boys that is another story. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, from what I have read ( and could be wrong) the authorities there assumed she had voluntarily gone off and would be back later, based on many previous occurences.

I fault the police on this assumption, that a disappearance is (always) voluntary and could not be a result of a crime.Can you imagine what this case would have been like without the zeal of her mother? I tell you all that it is sorely her dedication, strength and love for her daughter that has allowed this story to remain in the public eye.
In all our considerations of who is too blame why should we consider whether the family is rich or upscale. Does it matter? If justice is blind, then no, are the posters taking about the Holloway and Twitty's economic status as a reason for saying that they don't deserve justice because they may be better off? Do they think that there is a sign on victims that says their socio economic status?
Let us get back to basics, a young lady is missing, last seen with wealthy young men from an island that has a drinking age of 18 and drugs aplenty (as all of the Netherlands do).

These three suspects have all lied and admitted to lying. Their web sites glorify drugs and gangster affiliations.

Does that mean that Natalee should be vilified by their actions? Did any of the three boys or their parents search for Natalee?

I can only conclude from all of this that the boys were helped (by whom?)in concealing Natalee's body or involvement. There on line sites in my opinion are the best indicator of the fact that they are predators and I suggest that their mothers seriously peruse their sites and look at their behavior.
I realize that lots of people are suggesting that Natalee was the drug source or did drugs with the suspects. Even so she did not deserve murder?, but I would say look at her outfit on that day, Natalee did not change her clothes or show any intention to be more provacative if she was truly interested in Joran.

My guess is that she drank more that she should have or was given drinks that included drugs. A young girl like that, that preformed so highly and did volunteer work could not have been a party girl. (High school honors are a really tough act) Perhaps she saw this a a chance to fit in with her friends or to experience all the things that typical seniors ( in her mind experience). Maybe that is why the two drinks, however I refuse from my knowledge of teenagers to believe she would have done drugs,(period, they have their limits and know what they will and will not do).

Still if she liked Joran, then he may have mislead her. I see Natalee from my experience as a naive, good girl, focused on school in a situation beyond her control.
This is not a bad thing because that is part of growing up. Natalee probably felt safe, she was perhaps taking chances that she wouldn't have in the states but hey Aruba is safe. (of gosh they forgot to tell us...)

End of story.

If every young person who did something dumb had to account for their actions the list would extend until the beginning of time.

Natalee was a victim of bad (people's) plans and bad consequences, so could all of us be. Therefore we need to all care about Natalee, she could be anyone we care about and her family is exceptional. I still maintain that if I had trouble of any sort I would want Beth Holloway on my side. Super example of an American

[DennisAOK]

Outraged in Mt. Brook,

Well said. Thank you!

[Luke]

I didn't know that the MB kids were on drugs.
Then that must be why
that the MB people and kids would not speak out.
I know someone that stayed at the same motel said the kids were all so WILD that week!