Fisherman's Hut -Just An Aside

A reader wrote that an image they'd seen picturing a makeshift table outside the now infamous Fishman's Hut on a beach in Aruba looks unusual to him. Their position is that the traffic and sand pattern looks altered and it's possible something was buried beneath it - a shoe, perhaps. As they emailed back suggesting the image may be copyrighted, I've taken it down.

Interesting, if nothing else. I believe the area has been searched fairly thoroughly - but I think everyone following this case closely at some point wishes they could be on the island to take a look at things for themselves.

As previously noted, I don't think searching is the answer, anymore. The island has been searched - and fairly thoroughly, at that. What is needed is more information. Regardless of the many reports, I think I'd spend my time talking to as many people in different locations as I could to see what might be dug up. Someone on that island knows something and I don't necessarily think it's Joran Van der Sloot.

If I were trying to get someone, especially a boy, off the hook for something - I wouldn't give him any more information than absolutely necessary and have him outlast all interrogation out of ignorance, and not cunning, strength of will, or intellect.

Comments

[linda]

Dan
I agree 100% with your last paragraph - I don't think Joran knows the whole story either.

[Hera]

If Joran knows nothing, why has he lied repeatedly? The lies indicate that he is hidinig something incriminating. The Kalpoe brothers have to be involved for the same reason. I don't know any other way to read it.

Dan, have you been able to follow up on the casino line of credit rumor? That fact could be significant to this story in some way.

[Hera]

If Joran knows nothing, why has he lied repeatedly? The lies indicate that he is hidinig something incriminating. The Kalpoe brothers have to be involved for the same reason. I don't know any other way to read it.

Dan, have you been able to follow up on the casino line of credit rumor? That fact could be significant to this story in some way.

[LandofOz]

If any of us were there at the hut and thought the bottom of the cable table didn't look quite right, like the sand was altered and something could be buried underneath, do you think we would take a picture and send it to somebody or do you think we would lift it up in the presence of a witness and have a look see? Pretty sure I would have a look!

[MrsJimiHendrix]

so much i cannot keep up with anymore. is there something about incineration to be announced soon?

[bubble]

Anyone notice the cross of the pillar? Why is it there?

[letsbefair]

Agreed. You reading this Grannytoad? 22 more stories out of Joran will lead this investigation nowhere. The PI has the right idea to knock on doors. But he should keep the info quiet. Ideally you'd want 2 different witnesses that don't know each other to tell the same story. Bumping up the reward was good too. But you have to realize you're gonna get some BS witnesses. Instead of handing out prayer cards I'd be handing out reward info (maybe they do that too I don't know) Also, I'd make a list of all the guests staying at the hotels the night that Natalee went missing. Somebody who is no longer on the island might have seen something. Too bad the Twitty's didn't go knocking on HI doors the fist night they arrived. That's where I would have started.

[DanFan]

I agree with Dan....maybe Joran is trying to protect his father!

[bubble]

Make that the cross ON the pillar:)

[annie]

While I agree to a certain extent, just think about how many times you search for your keys, glasses or whatever only to find they are right under your nose the whole time? Sometimes we oversearch and don't really look at obvious places. Maybe they should start from the beginning and start all over. It might shed light on something that seemed insignificant at the time. For example, go back to the discussion thread and see some of AVS' interview. There are things in it that were missed the firsttime I saw it. Detail is tedious and annoying, but some of that hasn't been looked at for a while, I am betting so perhaps they will find a new clue from that.

[TexasGal]

so much i cannot keep up with anymore. is there something about incineration to be announced soon?

Posted by: MrsJimiHendrix

Dan alluded to that yesterday but I haven't heard another thing about that. I was looking forward to it though.

[TexasGal]

so much i cannot keep up with anymore. is there something about incineration to be announced soon?

Posted by: MrsJimiHendrix

Dan alluded to that yesterday but I haven't heard another thing about that. I was looking forward to it though.

[k8]

you're right dan - more talking needs to be done. you know, if i was 6 foot 5 inches 250 pounds of pure muscle and looked like the face of submission, i'd go and seek out deepak or satish and take them to the other side of the island (kinda like behind the wood shed) and just - well you know - until something gives. that's what needs to be done - uncomfortable and unpleasant - that should get them talking. then, tie them up, and come back for part two if the answer they give was a lie. you know what i'm saying - catch my drift?

[pearl]

You know Dan we are a group from about 25 friends thats searching for Natalee. Our conclusion is:1) The sea but not where they are looking but far maybe between Aruba and Punto Fijo. And if they cut her the shark eat her long time ago. 2) We have lot of houses in construction on the island at Tierra del Sol, Bakval, maybe they buried her in the yard of some of those houses. Who know?? If it is so, never they will find her. Example maybe they buried in my yard too, but never i will know it. Please don't send FBI for me.it's a example.

So i think they have to search the whole island house by house.

[annie]

If any of us were there at the hut and thought the bottom of the cable table didn't look quite right, like the sand was altered and something could be buried underneath, do you think we would take a picture and send it to somebody or do you think we would lift it up in the presence of a witness and have a look see? Pretty sure I would have a look!

Posted by: LandofOz | August 2, 2005 06:21 PM

I know. If you are pretty sure it doesn't look right, go dig and see what is under it? It isn't that hard to do. LOL!

[DennisAOK]

so much i cannot keep up with anymore. is there something about incineration to be announced soon?

Posted by: MrsJimiHendrix

Dan alluded to that yesterday but I haven't heard another thing about that. I was looking forward to it though.

Posted by: TexasGal | August 2, 2005 06:25 PM

He said it might be a while in coming.

[MarkleSparkle]

I totally agree with Dan and Linda. But, I think Hera is being redundant. (kidding)

What about the witness of an assault or abduction on a woman on the beach that night. It have information that it has been pursued by ALE for some time. Can anyone provide more information than what Jossy did on Fox's At Large Show on Sunday?

Also, I've never heard of dumpsite searches for missing bodies being completed in less than several weeks. We've had a local case that took nearly a month. It included cadaver searching dogs as well. However, in the local case as well as the Hardy case, the LE knew there were a bodies, so quittng wasn't an option.

[bubble]

HEY! Where'd the picture go?

[alex]

You know Dan we are a group from about 25 friends thats searching for Natalee. Our conclusion is:1) The sea but not where they are looking but far maybe between Aruba and Punto Fijo. And if they cut her the shark eat her long time ago. 2) We have lot of houses in construction on the island at Tierra del Sol, Bakval, maybe they buried her in the yard of some of those houses. Who know?? If it is so, never they will find her. Example maybe they buried in my yard too, but never i will know it. Please don't send FBI for me.it's a example.

So i think they have to search the whole island house by house.

I totally agree with her.

[k8]

regards to the dumpsite searches - didn't it take over three weeks to seek out lori hacking? just devastating stuff...

[MarkleSparkle]

Oops, yea, I meant Hacking in my post....

[annie]

is there something about incineration to be announced soon?

Posted by: MrsJimiHendrix

I too am anxiously awaiting that post. ;-)

[Dan]

The incineration angle has a long way to go - I am hoping for more information soon. But, as I said when I mentioned it, please don't look for anything quickly. It's a complex issue - as is everything in this case, it seems.

[alex]

I dont think about the Landfill, papa Sloot is too smart never he let them bring her to the landfill. A lot of cases around the world is about landfill, so thats why we think other.

[bey]

I think more questions need to be answered. Like why did Natalie leave with these 3 boys. Who works in Charlies bar (watever that bar's name is) question the employees there. Did they serve Natalie drinks? What can they tell us about any strange occurances that goes on inside Charlies, Holiday Inn, Marriot...question boys inside the raquet club find out what the local kids are into. Find out who all knows Joran and the Kalpoes. What was the gangsta/pimp gang all about.
There is just so much more that can be done. Ask around about the judges. What did Paul say to the authorities, why did he have an office in the courthouse if he was still studying. Ask other officials about the character and suspicous happennings that they are aware of but are not included in.
I think someone can provide sufficient answers and I'm not sure Joran has the answers to be of any help.

[Pearl]

I don't think about Landfill, papa v/d Sloot is too smart, never he let them bring her to the Landfill. Around the world the first places were
they search is a Landfill. So, thats why we don't think about Landfill.

[Susan]

Has anyone heard anything more on the Van der Sloots renting out their place?

[bey]

An uncover cop in charlies acting drunk...meeting local boys....see what locals ask you to parties...what kind of parties they go to....get involved in the casinos....get a pretty young officer to wear a wire. Let her mingle with the local kids......is more that I would do if I was the FBI ..much much more they can do....somehow, someway, some day the truth is going to come out. I just know it.

[Connie]

I hope I'm still alive when the truth comes out!!!

[bey]

Well Joran looks like an idiot to me....scholar student or not...he'll brag one day...maybe to his wife some-day...he looks like the type that can get real mad...let a female officer interegate him...get him mad..

[Hera]

Pearl -

I agree with you about the landfill. After all, who would risk being seen doing dumping a body at 4:30 in the afternoon. Whoever hid Natalee is a smart cookie! It is a good thing however, that ES has cleared the area so that they can now regroup and possibly look elsewhere. I fear that this crime is quickly becoming a cold case.

[LandofOz]

Dan, So if I understand you, the reader who sent in the photo had the sense to copywrite the photograph, but not the sense to look underneath the cable table and see what was there. WITH a witness, of course, or further photographic documentation to document what was found? And those photographs could be copywritten too! Thanks for all the updates, Dan!

[bey]

...if Natalie is still alive and is somewhere...she looks the type that is smart and could out-wit her capturers. If she's anything like her mom she'll bring them all down and find a way back home to us. I haven't lost the faith that she still could put a victorious ending to all this. Even if she's looking from above.

[MrsJimiHendrix]

TEXAS GAL

DID YOU EVER SIGN UP AT THE
BLOGSFORNATALEE.COM/FORUM?

IF SO PLEASE PM ME THERE

[letsbefair]

I totally agree with Dan and Linda. But, I think Hera is being redundant. (kidding)

What about the witness of an assault or abduction on a woman on the beach that night. It have information that it has been pursued by ALE for some time. Can anyone provide more information than what Jossy did on Fox's At Large Show on Sunday?

Also, I've never heard of dumpsite searches for missing bodies being completed in less than several weeks. We've had a local case that took nearly a month. It included cadaver searching dogs as well. However, in the local case as well as the Hardy case, the LE knew there were a bodies, so quittng wasn't an option.

Posted by: MarkleSparkle | August 2, 2005 06:29 PM

I remember seeing the abduction story early on: A Holiday Inn security guard reported that a woman was taken off the beach by 2 men against her will. The report wasn't taken seriously.

Later I read that this was just one of a zillion rumors. Who knows.

Also on Greta's show, VDS was telling Nat's aunt that theory 2 was that Joran actually left Nat on the beach. Then he started talking about a witness on the beach that saw something. But when Greta came up to listen he stopped talking.

[StaticSilent]

What picture are you all talking about?

[NYMOM]

I agree Dan and have been asking why are there all of these questions about MB teens and no questions to, or info about the 10? kids in Jurines class at the International School?

[Cindi in PA]

If I were trying to get someone, especially a boy, off the hook for something - I wouldn't give him any more information than absolutely necessary and have him outlast all interrogation out of ignorance, and not cunning, strength of will, or intellect.

Posted by Dan in Natalee Holloway | Permalink
As with anything in life, kindness get's more results. Working with prosecutors in the local DA's office, I found they got more results, especially with kids by not being rough and tough. This is real life, not CSI.

[LandofOz]

What picture are you all talking about?
Posted by: StaticSilent | August 2, 2005 06:55 PM

Static, there was a picture earlier, but Dan took it down for copywrite issues. He explains at the top. It was a Cable Spool table with the bottom sort of buried in the sand.

[angelaberdine]

MJH, although speculation, some here speculated on that a while back, if you recall.

The incineration angle has a long way to go - I am hoping for more information soon. But, as I said when I mentioned it, please don't look for anything quickly. It's a complex issue - as is everything in this case, it seems.

That there would be access to the refinery and she would have been incinerated and the beheaded islander who worked at the rifinery might have been a part to or a witness to and the reason he was beheaded, to send a message to the perps to keep shut up.

[DennisAOK]

Hey, Bey, you are pretty good at this stuff!

[Cindi in PA]

I agree Dan and have been asking why are there all of these questions about MB teens and no questions to, or info about the 10? kids in Jurines class at the International School?

Posted by: NYMOM | August 2, 2005 07:00 PM
NYMOM, the MB kids were questioned by the FBI, not sure about the classmates of Jorans though.
AND I KNOW ITS NOT MY PRIVILEGE TO ASSUME LOL

[bubble]

What picture are you all talking about?
Posted by: StaticSilent | August 2, 2005 06:55 PM

There was a picture of the fisherman's hut in the top corner of this page when I first logged on to this post. I downloaded the pic so that I could zoom in to see if that really was a cross painted on the pillar...it was.

when I came back the picture was gone.

[Anna2]

I think more questions need to be answered. Like why did Natalie leave with these 3 boys.

Posted by: bey | August 2, 2005 06:36 PM

I have a theory on that one...I apologize to all if it's a little lengthy.

She hadn't intended to leave with them - when Alana saw her walking out with Juron & asked about her plans she indicated that she was going back to HI with "them" - referring to MB students just ahead. She says goodnight to Juron and he leaves - to go to Kalpoe car - but while they are saying goodnight "them" left - that's why she's seen alone outside C&C as if she's looking for someone. She went back inside to see if she could find any other MB students - but the remainder of them had gone to the bar nearby to make sure none of their group was about to get left there. Inside C&C, Natalee runs into Deepak and tells him she's been left behind - he explains that Juron is riding with him & waiting at the car - he offers to take her to Juron & they'd drop her off at HI - that's why she's seen walking out of C&C with Deepak and heading around a corner (towards the car) - and when they pull out in the car she sees the MB students now back in front of C&C and speaks with them - but she's already in the car and tells them she'll just go back with them (Juron & Kalpoes).

[clintcarter]

If you are the Mr. X who knows all and keeps Joran ignorant and the fall guy at once;
1) You planned the deed ahead of time, a Nefarious Crime in which Joran and Co. are pawns;
2) OR You responded to a situation which needed a Cleaner (Harvey Keitel), in which case someone else knows enough of the story to produce much more than we've heard.

I think after the early blunders Aruban LE went into total lockdown with the relevant facts and won't even give guidance to the circus around Beth H. and their searches.

[Phantom]

She hadn't intended to leave with them - when Alana saw her walking out with Juron & asked about her plans she indicated that she was going back to HI with "them" - referring to MB students just ahead. She says goodnight to Juron and he leaves - to go to Kalpoe car - but while they are saying goodnight "them" left - that's why she's seen alone outside C&C as if she's looking for someone. She went back inside to see if she could find any other MB students - but the remainder of them had gone to the bar nearby to make sure none of their group was about to get left there. Inside C&C, Natalee runs into Deepak and tells him she's been left behind - he explains that Juron is riding with him & waiting at the car - he offers to take her to Juron & they'd drop her off at HI - that's why she's seen walking out of C&C with Deepak and heading around a corner (towards the car) - and when they pull out in the car she sees the MB students now back in front of C&C and speaks with them - but she's already in the car and tells them she'll just go back with them (Juron & Kalpoes).

Posted by: Anna2 | August 2, 2005 07:12 PM

Anna2,

That sounds like you were there and saw everything.

[LandofOz]

...but while they are saying goodnight "them" left - that's why she's seen alone outside C&C as if she's looking for someone....
Posted by: Anna2 | August 2, 2005 07:12 PM

Anna2 If that were the way it happened that would be the most devasting 'what if' in the world, wouldn't it? It made me heavy with sadness just thinking about it as if it were such a close call to almost making it to safety. One wrong turn.

[angelaberdine]

She hadn't intended to leave with them - when Alana saw her walking out with Juron & asked about her plans she indicated that she was going back to HI with "them" - referring to MB students just ahead. She says goodnight to Juron and he leaves - to go to Kalpoe car - but while they are saying goodnight "them" left - that's why she's seen alone outside C&C as if she's looking for someone. She went back inside to see if she could find any other MB students - but the remainder of them had gone to the bar nearby to make sure none of their group was about to get left there. Inside C&C, Natalee runs into Deepak and tells him she's been left behind - he explains that Juron is riding with him & waiting at the car - he offers to take her to Juron & they'd drop her off at HI - that's why she's seen walking out of C&C with Deepak and heading around a corner (towards the car) - and when they pull out in the car she sees the MB students now back in front of C&C and speaks with them - but she's already in the car and tells them she'll just go back with them (Juron & Kalpoes).

Very similar to my explanation but not exactly, but they did take her back to the HI, just as they said they would. She went to her room, used her inhaler, brushed her teeth (thus the DNA) and after that, something very vile happened within the confines of the HI and beyond.

[Auburn]

How many people really think she may still be alive? I just don't see how. I am sure she has passed away.

I would dearly love to be wrong, but I can't imagine how she could be alive.

[Angles]

I keep going back to the guy whose throat was slit the day after two of Joran's friends were questioned by police - and I think it was the day after Steve Croes was jailed as well. I can't help but wonder if that murder was a message to all involved to keep their mouths shut.

With everyone constantly yammering about the low crime rate on Aruba, does it seem to much of a coincidence that one of the few murders occurred during that time frame?