The Wood Letter Redux

First off, as Mr. Wood is, last I heard, an employee of Jossy Mansur, it is difficult to understand the context or standing he offers in writing such a letter. As the family does employ legal counsel, I would think it might have been better had the letter been generated by same. At the very least an attorney might have spelled Joran and Janssen correctly, errors hard to overlook in what one would think is intended to be a serious and important document given it's being carbon copied to the US Secretary of State and Aruban PM.

Additionally, it would seem to me that two letters would actually be more correct, one to the Justice Department, perhaps in Holland, and another as regards complaints about the Aruban PD to Prime Minister Oduber. Personally, I think I would have gone over the head of Justice Minister Rudy Croes to Holland at this point if I felt I had a valid complaint.There are legitimate means of appeal in instances like this case and I doubt if a simple blanket letter of complaint to the Prime Minister CC'd to the world follows any official channel.

Generally, when working with any government, going around or out of formal channels doesn't prove to be the surest or most appropriate approach - even considering how frustrating and even disappointing such formal channels may prove to be to navigate.

Ultimately I would expect the Dutch and Aruban Governments would need such a formal and proper complaint to act. It's known that the family employs legal counsel in Aruba. That counsel either sought to distance herself from this letter, or aided in it's construction in a manner to water it down from what could be judged to be an official complaint, or perhaps libelous statements. Unfortunately, in that context, it's difficult to view the letter as anything other than more media worthy, than actionable.

There are also several reasons which make the issuance of the letter questionable, or poor strategy, at best - assuming it is meant to drive some official action.

In the next to last paragraph, first page - issue is taken with an alleged statement of investigator Dennis Jacobs. Taken at it's face, it could lead one to conclude the investigator was soliciting a bribe. Yet, immediately following that remark it is implied that the investigator thought there was little reason to be concerned for Natalee's whereabouts. That would make the first statement a jest.

Unfortunately, both statements would then fall very much in line with the slow and poor start the investigation suffered, which has been well-documented and acknowledged by the Prime Minister. Consequently, appealing to him on this matter now as if it were something new, and using a seemingly incriminating, though likely more an un-serious quote to inflame the complaint accomplishes nothing officially. It only serves to inflame some followers of the case, antagonize Aruban authorities and provide the media with a new quote.

In fact, the quote has already been used by Dan Abrams. What remains unclear is how that helps unravel the mystery surrounding Natalee Holloway in any meaningful way as the on going media circus has produced no significant results so far.

Picking up on the June 1 interaction, the first paragraph of page two appears to indicate that there was no interest in the three boys beyond their original questioning and that they weren't followed up on as possible suspects for several days. Yet, looking back at my archives I posted the following link and quote on June 4th: A deputy police chief on the Dutch Caribbean island is calling the men their "most important lead." He describes them as "persons of interest." An official close to the investigation says the men told police they had taken the teen to a beach, then to her hotel.

Consequently, contemporaneous reports from the time, always considered more reliable than recollection, dispute at least one of the letter's first claims. Additionally, the letter questions statements taken by Jacobs as incomplete for not following up with obvious questions. An offered example is the alleged statement by Joran vd Sloot: I think Deepak killed Natalee and buried her body. However, we already know these statements are questionable, at best, their origin and history being totally unknown - not to mention that from all reports they are unsigned. Also, Dutch Law would seem to prohibit the family from legally having access to the genuine article at all.

The letter also questions statements taken by Jacobs for their appearing to have been altered, citing that they were translated from English to Dutch by Jacobs - going on to express disbelief that translation alone could result in the issue. What isn't clear is how Beth then later obtained the statement in Dutch, or who translated it back into English. At the very least, those are relevant points and it is unclear how anyone in Beth's position could justify blaming one translator over the other. Consequently, the complaint lacks enough detail to render it effective or convincing without significant additional disclosure of detail from the originator.

In the last paragraph of page two, the letter makes a confounding complaint against Jacobs referencing a discussion between Dave Holloway and Paulus Van Der Sloot and a subsequent interview between Dave Holloway and Jacobs. It states a write up of the latter discussion was only two pages long and did not focus on the intended line of questioning - apparently that referring to the discussion between Dave Holloway and Paulus Van Der Sloot. It's unclear who was to have determined the line of questioning here, Dave Holloway, or the investigator?  It even suggests the entire purpose of the interview with Dave and Jacobs was to "record" what Dave and Paulus discussed.

Perhaps they did have an extended discussion, but it could never be more than talk, or background, as it would be nothing more than hearsay. Paulus could just as well have approached Jacobs and claimed that Dave stated he killed Natalee in said conversation and such a statement would also likely be ignored, not to mention inadmissible except as possible testimony at trial. I can't think of a single instance in the US where an investigator would be expected to enlist a victim's parent to go and take statements from a possible suspect and enter them into the formal record.

And, yet, again, what are the sources for these statements? Perhaps ALE provided them to the family, I don't know. But, if not, than they are, unfortunately, and yet again, dubious, at best. It also needs to be pointed out that a statement such as what the family expected to see may well exist and whomever provided that one statement to Beth simply didn't provide the other statement, or portion.

Rather than continue - to be fair, some of the questions - particularly as regards evidence, possibly a belt and also a bone, might be more compelling. Though I would point out that an inspection of the image with the belt does not make it look particularly old, as the letter suggests - and it appears to have a unique squared punch pattern which might have aided in the identification and been a better feature for comparison - the feature wasn't included in the letter.

As regards the request for removal of Prosecutor Karin Janssen, the letter, which misspells her name, offers nothing more as a reason than that she must be held responsible for the lack of prosecutorial success.  It would be wonderful to believe that the world contained no cold-case files, or that whenever a family is hurting terribly and frustrated, they have a right to demand wholesale changes in an investigation. I doubt either of those things are true for any justice department or ministry anywhere in the world.

As regards Deputy Chief of Police Dompig, the letter alleges statements by him which significantly impugn Twitty lawyer Helen Lejuez. It will be interesting to see if she takes action and files a formal complaint. I certainly would.

The over arching problem with the letter is that it clearly continues to ignore the admittedly frustrating and secretive nature of the Dutch justice system, and a lack of actionable evidence in the case against the three boys. It strongly suggests that nothing short of their prosecution and conviction will be satisfactory. Indeed, as has been claimed, the family delivered the suspects on a silver platter to Aruban ALE. What they have yet to produce along with those suspects is the evidence required for their prosecution.

Investigations do not identify suspects beyond a reasonable doubt first, refuse to look at any alternatives, while going to any length to create the illusion of evidence against said suspects. At least, honest ones don't. I've no idea why the family of Natalee Holloway refuses to entertain some alternate theory for her disappearance, as opposed to the three former suspects. That fixation sometimes looks as troubling to me as do the admitted missteps of the Aruban authorities.

Comments

[FlightofFancy]

As usual you did an excellent job explaining what you thought about the Wood letter. I myself wondered why Wood wrote it in the first place. If Beth and Dave wanted to write a letter of complaint, then why didn't they have their attorneys work on it together? Wood carries with him the taint of Jossy Mansur. Aruba is a community of two factions, the Mansur group and the present administration. Jossy has a dog in this fight and it is to take out the present administration any way he can, and if that means using BT, then that is what he will do. Beth got those torn discarded statement from Jossy, and Jossy got them from his paid informant in the Local police department. Someone needs to investigate Jossy.

[!]

On June 4th yes they were looking at the 3 at persons of interest but what happened the next day was part of the 3's plan to take focus off of them. It went even more down hill from there.
There was too much time in between for them to come up with the elaborate coverup and get rid of all the evidence. COVERUP FROM THE START. Paulas was in the middle of it. SCUMBAGS ALL OF THEM ! Guilty as hell. !
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/06/suspects_arrest.html
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/06/natalee_hollowa.html

[!]

On June 4th yes they were looking at the 3 at persons of interest but what happened the next day was part of the 3's plan to take focus off of them. It went even more down hill from there.
There was too much time in between for them to come up with the elaborate coverup and get rid of all the evidence. COVERUP FROM THE START. Paulas was in the middle of it. SCUMBAGS ALL OF THEM ! Guilty as hell. !
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/06/suspects_arrest.html
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/06/natalee_hollowa.html

[TuxedoJunction]

An official close to the investigation says the men told police they had taken the teen to a beach, then to her hotel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I cannot read anymore...THE MEN vs THE TEEN, was THE TEEN older than any of THE MEN?
Had to reply to that.
Luck to all. Happy Aloha Friday.

[dugo]

> Personally, I think I would have gone over the head of Justice Minister Rudy Croes to Holland at this point if I felt I had a valid complaint.

Aruban Ministers answer to the Aruban parliament, not to Holland. If you want to get closer to the crown, you will end up at Fredis Refunjol, the governor, because really, the queen herself is not going to get her hands dirty on this issue, and if she does, the minister is responsible for everything she does. Maybe the minister of internal affairs and kingdomrelations, Alexander Pechtold, can meddle a bit? But don't think that these heads can roll through Dutch power.

> That would make the first statement a jest.

Or a question to determine motive for kidnapping maybe?

> Also, Dutch Law would seem to prohibit the family from legally having access to the genuine [buried] article at all.

Access can be granted, though highly unlikely in the light of what happens with any sentence the family get their hands on. Indeed the claims of no follow up questions at all can not be made hard because the Twittys only know tiny snippets of what went on all these days Joran was in jail. There is a difference in taking statements and outright interrogating. Suspects get the room to give statements in all freedom, that is, without constant questioning of every sentence they want to state.

[Jan]

Great job Dan - as usual you summed it all up nicely - this case is sure an complicated tangle!

[LB]

Dan, your last 2 paragraphs put my feelings about this whole case - for the past few months - in a nutshell. Why has Dave Holloway jumped on this bandwagon.

[dave]

In the next to last paragraph, first page - issue is taken with an alleged statement of investigator Dennis Jacobs. Taken at it's face, it could lead one to conclude the investigator was soliciting a bribe. Yet, immediately following that remark it is implied that the investigator thought there was little reason to be concerned for Natalee's whereabouts. That would make the first statement a jest.
---------------------------

Huh? Why would this make the first statement a jest? If anything it would seem to imply that Jacobs required some amount of money to take the investigation seriously, since he believed it wasn't worth his time otherwise.

[roy]

Great analysis Dan.
I don't think any of these requests/demands will be fulfilled. Don't think they should either.
Also I can understand most of the reactions of the Aruban officials. Beth, a.o. seem to have the notion that they can determine what should be done, how it should be done, when it should be done and who should do it.

I do however feel that many questions and remarks should be addressed publicly by the Aruban authorities.

As I mentioned elsewhere, the fact that Dave also signed this letter and is changing his attitude must have a good reason.
IMO Dave is a gentleman and a very patient one.
I do believe that he is very disappointed in Dompig and that I can understand.
But I'm sure there are many reasons for Dave to have taken this turn.

[truthbetold]

of course beth will not use an attorney to file a offcial complaint nor will she take it to a legitimate authority to examine it because if she did that someone might finally ask her to prove all these ridiculous allegations she has been making and show those supposed staements she has been waving around for months and prove they are real. nope she used art wood and sent the letter straight to the media for more publicity because that is all she is interested in.....and to get the focus off her and mb...this letter was timed perfectly with dompigs wanting to question beth and the mb teens further.....you don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out...art wood works for jossy, jossy has provided all the false leads evidence and witnesses we have seen............all meant to distract and cause a media circus....this letter is nothing more than another cheap ply by the twittys and a way for art wood to make some $$$$....at the risk of being redundant..I will say it again whta kind of mother allows her missing daughter to be spoken about on the tonight show by dr phil???? that was all I needed to shred my last bit of sympathy for beth

[Cheri]

Great summation

More and more it looks as if Beth is just going off in any direction

The choice of ART Woods to write this letter is just unreal...why ? why not have an attorney draft a more coherent letter?

now Dr Phil goes on LENO with his new "crediable" idea that Natalee is alive and the sex slave theory he is promoting....just in time for network sweeps I guess

I still would like some explanation of why oh why they held the "deepak" tapes so long, they were supposedly made in late july...why hold them til Dr Phils September Season Premiere show??

Add to this Beth's appearance in Ohio last week with Joe Manana...

JMO Beth needs better helpers/advisors/

This new letter is yet another mistake I fear

[LB]

Was just wondering - if there were an 'unsolved mysteries' show about this, say 10 years from now, how would it be portrayed as a whole? How would the Twittys look? Something tells me that all of these weird actions by the twittys in the end will just make them look more suspicious. Not that they had anything to do with Natalee's disappearance, I certainly don't think so and hope not, but just that they have something to hide. They know more than they are saying, and if your daughter were missing, wouldn't you want to make sure everyone had as much info as possible? Maybe those that they want dismissed have gotten too close to the truth. I don't know, just a thought.

[GrannyToad]

I think that was a courteous yet direct move by Natalee's family, a letter to the Aruban Attorney General outlining those points. Call it a warning shot across the bow. It involves the direct heirarchy without the necessity of formal Holland consideration. One may criticize the strategy but probably couldn't offer a better one.

[MJM]

Dan,

A very good read.

What continues to amaze me is the fact that Natalee, you know the missing person, is becoming more and more irrelevant to this investigation. I feel like Natalee, the suspects and whatnot no longer matter. It's all about Beth all the time.

MJM

[hockeygirl]

This is in response to Shonane's (and TexasPoster's) various posts:

If you are not a licensed lawyer in the US specializing in criminal or constitutional law, a US attorney, working at the US Dept. of Justice or a US professor of constitutional or criminal law---STOP making ridiculous, ignorant and incorrect statements about U.S. law. (And by the way, criminal law and procedure is, for the most part, determined by each state and its legislature; it's thus fairly impossible to make blanket generalizations as to what "US law" is in this regard.)

Your comments as to inadmissibility of the tape, violation of due process and failure to give Miranda warnings making certain statements inadmissible evidence the fact that you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Ever hear about an admission/statement against interest? Ever hear that admissions are admissible at trial? Ever hear of "Jailhouse Confessions" and inmates testifying to ADMISSIONS made by other inmates as to other murders committed etc.? Ever watch "The Practice", "Law and Order" or "NYPD Blue?" Know that Miranda rights can be waived? Know that Miranda warnings not required if subject is not "in custody" or under belief he/she is "not free to leave?"

I doubt you know any of these things or have any basis for your outrageous legal comments...so give it a rest and leave discussion of the LAW to the lawyers that have been EDUCATED IN THE LAW. And by the way, if Deepak was an American citizen, he would be in jail right now awaiting trial for rape. And if he turned "State's Witness," his brother and/or Joran would probably be in jail and awaiting trial. And even if Deepak was not advised that he was being taped and/or recorded, the admission would still be ADMISSIBLE. In fact, the interrogator could testify as to what he was told by Deepak and the statement would come in as an exception to the hearsay rule, regardless of any contention that Deepak was not advised that he was being taped. Lastly, due process refers to deprivation of rights by the "state;" not "deprivation" by private interrogators that are not state officials.

I'm proud of the American legal system and the fact that date/gang rape is a crime and the criminals are not allowed to roam the streets or college campuses populated with young girls. (It's kind of like letting a bulimic or binger loose in an ice cream store.) In America, "no means no," and being too drunk to say no is not consent. You know, Robert Chambers initially claimed that he didn't know Jennifer Levin; then he changed his story and claimed that SHE had raped HIM--notwithstanding the fact that he had at least 80-100 pounds on her, was over 6'3" to 6'4" and had a history of violence against women. He changed his story a few more times (hmmmm...sounds familiar....) before he was finally tried and sent to jail.

[heaven help us]

Dan,

I have begun to realize that this situation is one where each person has developed their own individual frame of reference through which they judge all available information. This frame of reference has largely been developed based on the manner in which the person initially viewed the situation from the very beginning with little deviation. It is the rare person who has allowed themselves only to deal in the facts.

The polarization is ubiquitos and the young woman, who may still be alive, remains missing. This is the most mysterious and heart wretching situation I have ever seen.

At this point, it is all in the hands of God.

[k.jeanne]

Thanks, Dan, for great editorial!

I don't understand how Mr. Wood became the author of this letter to begin with. Did he on his own write the letter and ask Holloway-Twitty if they wanted to sign? No, I don't think so. There was surely much thought that went into the making of this move. I would guess it was with complete blessings of their attorneys. But *WHY* didn't Beth and Dave just write the letter themselves? Why did they need some person that couldn't spell to do a sloppy job? Does it move H-T a step away from responsibility for any liable comments? Just doesn't make sense to me.

[RealityBased]

Seems odd that Beth would claim Natalee was kidnapped within seconds of getting that phone call and then be offended when and IF the officials asked "how much money do you have." How else would officials know if a "kidnapping" was money motivated or not?

[ustt]

Dan, your last 2 paragraphs put my feelings about this whole case - for the past few months - in a nutshell. Why has Dave Holloway jumped on this bandwagon.

Posted by: LB | Nov 4, 2005 12:50:58 AM

_________

he probably jumped on the wagon the last time (recently) that Dompig sent him out to go in circles again.

If you recall, Dave had gotten equipment AND PERMISSION to do the landfill dig yet again.

And yet again, when he GOT THERE Dompig says: "Oh look, we have a great place for you to dive instead, so we aren't going to let you do a landfill dig after all, happy swimming."

(or something to that effect)

I posted that I figured Dave was being sent out yet again to "chase his tail." And of course he was. Aruba had again sent these families on a wild goose chase to use up their resources, waste their time and energy, to find NOTHING.

Remember those weeks that Dave and crew walked around in that stinking, filthy landfill getting sick and digging?????
And everybody got sick!
And as soon as they left the landfill within seconds just about......here comes Aruba WHO HAS NO DIGGING EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST DAVE WITH! has earth movers in the landfill FILLING IN what Dave and them had dug into for two weeks and were hoping to start from that point to search more......after they could obtain more than the one piece of heavy equipment Jossey was able to get for them.......MAKES YA WONDER HOW THEY DO CONSTRUCTION THERE, DOESN'T IT (urgh!)

Anyway, I would think that this last time Dompig/Aruba jerked Dave's strings did it for Dave.

I wish dugo would explain the reasoning behind why the "letter" was not written from his or Beth's attorney. In fact if you think about it NOTHING has come from either attorney. They must be just puppet heads. I still believe Dave and Beth need a good international law attorney in harmony with the State Dept of the US to get on this case AND BE VISIBLE! and that means pulling a GLORIA ALREAD! be out there and LET 'ME HAVE IT.

[jayjay]

Seems odd that Beth would claim Natalee was kidnapped within seconds of getting that phone call and then be offended when and IF the officials asked "how much money do you have." How else would officials know if a "kidnapping" was money motivated or not?

Posted by: RealityBased | Nov 4, 2005 8:12:05 AM

So now we are making excuses for irresponsible comments made by law enforcement agents?

I would almost agree that was why he asked about the money if he did not follow up by telling Dave to go wait at Carlos and Charlies and have a beer...

[ustt]

I don't understand how Mr. Wood became the author of this letter to begin with. Did he on his own write the letter and ask Holloway-Twitty if they wanted to sign? No, I don't think so. There was surely much thought that went into the making of this move. I would guess it was with complete blessings of their attorneys. But *WHY* didn't Beth and Dave just write the letter themselves? Why did they need some person that couldn't spell to do a sloppy job? Does it move H-T a step away from responsibility for any liable comments? Just doesn't make sense to me.

Posted by: k.jeanne | Nov 4, 2005 7:57:58 AM

_______________

it seems like as you read the letter, Wood had to have Beth's input to write the letter as there are things there he wouldn't have known unless Beth had shared them with him.

i do find it strange that they are still working with Wood, though. he runs off to find out what kind of trouble the Kalpoe brothers had been into in their home land, and we never hear anything on that again........and no mention of it in this letter. huh?

and he doesn't know how to follow protocol in Aruba and gets into trouble.

It amazes me the ill-trained and unsophisticated resources these families keep reaching out to, and in the same moment have access to some of our highest politicos. It makes no sense. If you have it FLAUNT IT! -- Beth, get some heavy-weights in there, will ya!!! If you are gonna do the job, hire the best, get the best going, and sweep out all the riffraff as they are killing your case.

We should have stomped on Aruba like they were an irritating bug by now, but instead these poor families are being twirled around like they are tops - constantly being manipulated by Aruba. Aruba has done enough faux paus in this case to have egg all over their political faces - and should be embarrassed for it, not be able to mock Beth and them by demanding now to interview MB kids. That was Aruba's job to have done in the first few hours of the case! not 6 months later. And possible evidence that was ON VISUAL INSPECTION BY NON-EDUCATED OFFICIALS set aside and declared not any good -- what the heck is that! other than corruption.

I'm going to go through that letter and make my comments after I get a minute to do it.

My main question to Dan would be: can you get with somebody who knows Aruban law and ask what was behind NO LAWYERS apparently being associated with this letter.......is there a method in their madness?......what? Dan, do you have sources you can ask? I have asked dugo a couple of times, but I think he has missed my posts. But Dan, do you have the legal eagles you can call and ask: What is the reason behind the names on the letter and why didn't it come from Helen or Benvinda?

[dugo]

So now we are making excuses for irresponsible comments made by law enforcement agents?

I would almost agree that was why he asked about the money if he did not follow up by telling Dave to go wait at Carlos and Charlies and have a beer...
Posted by: jayjay | Nov 4, 2005 8:26:10 AM

Because tourists that miss their flight always seem show up sooner or later? Making up excuses for the sods is what you start doing after every sentence from someone that is not paying the family lip service has been twisted into meaning something bad.

[RdWarrior]

First, everyone should read what HockeyGirl wrote. That was a very good explanation, and an accurate one, of what really would happen if this was a US case.

Second, you are very naive to think an Aruban lawyer would write this. Those Aruban lawyers would be ostracized professionally, and someone as corrupt as Janssen would screw w any of da Souza's or Lejuez's future clients. In all fairness to Aruba (I say that without losing my breakfast)....in the US, US lawyers would have the same dilemma in their same jurisdiction where they practice...dont upset local judges and prosecutors.

Third, this letter was the right thing to do. There is no question that the Aruban govt is directly involved in Natalee's disappearance. They needed to be called out. And Wood was the proper one to author such letter.

Fourth, Dennis Jacobs tried to bribe Dave. This is clear as the light of day. Cops do not first ask "how much money do you got". No matter how Riehl World tries to spin it for his Aruban buddies....Jacobs solicited a bribe.

Fifth, Dave was 100% correct for signing the letter. My biggest problem w Dave is that he has taken the weak approach in all this. Finally he came to his senses (I wonder if Robin, who had no problem w the letter, was the one that finally got Dave on board...my impression of her has greatly increased positively).

BOYCOTT ARUBA....Save American Lives

[wreck]

This letter was not authored by lawyers for a reason. If it was a formal legal request, it would be dealt with accordingly -- meaning it would be put in a long, time wasting bureaucratic logjam. This letter was meant to draw public awareness of the family's plight and to expose facts in the case that ALE has not readily admitted to. The letter was meant to vent their frustration and gain some public support back that they lost because they remained mute on these points. I think Dave and the rest of the family have surmised there will never be legal closure to this case. They just want Natalee recovered and the real truth exposed to the world.

[fundaloo]

That is a very interesting observation about the belt having the squarish holes (rectangular actually). Does anyone have an image of the belt which Art Wood found? I saw it on several tv shows, but can't find a web image of it.

[truthwillout]

John Walsh was on Fox and Friends around 8:50a this morning saying that he totally agrees with and sympathizes with Beth's efforts to find her daughter's body, send this "letter" and get the FBI involved. He says that the Aruban government has clearly mishandled this case...that even now they will not allow our Navy's new and highest technologies to search the waters for Natalee. He said that he has watched the Aruban government try to question her motives...to move the searchlight OFF of Aruban corruption.

[wreck]

As an addendum to my comments:
I share the thoughts Dan and many have about the trainwreck that is Jossy Mansur. However; unfortunately, Jossy has been the only "ally" they have had from about the 1st 2 weeks. The local Arubans have been great -- offering assistance and many free comps. However, I do think the rest of the press (excluding Diario) have been much quicker to stand behind ALE than to expose problems with the investigation. It is a small island, and people are just too connected to everybody else to remain objective. I know everyone looks forward to "Scubajap's" input here and I do think she means well, but I also take her reports with a grain of salt. She seems to only get info from those parties that have a dog in the fight of ALE and protecting the island's reputation. She is NOT getting info from Dave, Jossy, Equisearch or anyone else that is in the know from the Twitty/Holloway camp. The reason being, is there are very few true, legitimate, objective sources on the island. That is just the way I see it personally.

[cindi in pa]

Fifth, Dave was 100% correct for signing the letter. My biggest problem w Dave is that he has taken the weak approach in all this. Finally he came to his senses (I wonder if Robin, who had no problem w the letter, was the one that finally got Dave on board...my impression of her has greatly increased positively).

BOYCOTT ARUBA....Save American Lives

Posted by: RdWarrior | Nov 4, 2005 9:17:14 AM

I would in no way attribuate Daves kindness with being weak.

[greenwing]

Fourth, Dennis Jacobs tried to bribe Dave. This is clear as the light of day. Cops do not first ask "how much money do you got". No matter how Riehl World tries to spin it for his Aruban buddies....Jacobs solicited a bribe.

In front of witnesses, in a police station, you solicit a bribe? Not likely.

When the family is claiming kidnapping (not abduction here, but kidnapping) there is usually a ransom involved. It would be the most logical question to ask.

And the kidnapping word was thrown around from the beginning.

[Gabe]

Just about the time that people begin to look again at the children of Mountain Brook, Beth's media advisors send her on another dead-end hunt.
(Pardon the pun) It makes me wonder how many of those trusted advisors had relatives on the now infamous trip to Aruba. Beth, your very worst crime is that you are such a dupe of these people. Face it, you were not to the Mountain Brook born and you and yours will never be accepted there. Look around your own back door for the killers of your dear daughter!

[dugo]

That is a very interesting observation about the belt having the squarish holes (rectangular actually). Does anyone have an image of the belt which Art Wood found? I saw it on several tv shows, but can't find a web image of it.

Posted by: fundaloo | Nov 4, 2005 9:40:24 AM

Me neither, hard to navigate the site to find the video, but a transcript is here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8925236/

[chip]

However; unfortunately, Jossy has been the only "ally" they have had from about the 1st 2 weeks.
Posted by: wreck | Nov 4, 2005 10:12:56 AM

i guess we will know in time...but right now i have serious doubts as to what kind of ally jossie has been

[donnaanna]

That would make the first statement a jest.

Or a question to determine motive for kidnapping maybe?

Posted by: dugo | Nov 4, 2005 12:46:43 AM

That was my first thought as well.... and a very logical question to ask given the family was so convinced she had been kidnapped at that point in time.

[MikefrMd]

"That was my first thought as well.... and a very logical question to ask given the family was so convinced she had been kidnapped at that point in time."

Donnaanna,

I would think one would have to be there to understand the context of how it was said.

The thing is that Dave signed the letter so he must have thought the statement was more of a bribe I would think.

[donnaanna]

The thing is that Dave signed the letter so he must have thought the statement was more of a bribe I would think.

Posted by: MikefrMd | Nov 4, 2005 11:42:56 AM

Maybe, but I would guess that Dave was so distressed that he probably wouldn't know how to take anything at the time. A request for a bribe, or even a jest, was clearly out of line given the circumstances. But, if someone is kidnapped, it is usually for money. So, the first logical question would be 'Do you have a lot of money?". But, I wouldn't fault Dave for taking it negatively. He is from all appearances a good man caught in the middle of a horrible circumstance.

[danie]

Excellent posts regarding letter...do not agree with all assessments, but that is what makes this interesting. Qualification: I am not a lawyer, but work as legal researcher, secretary etc for my family's law firm...in this position, have observed many times preliminary letter upon advice and with help of attorneys to create a record (later admitted into evidence perhaps)and as an indication (warning)prior to "official" filings with proper authorities; secondly, the letter originating from Art Wood (regardless of one's perceived credibility of this individual or lack thereof), IMO is simply a first hand account of his experiences and dealings with LE, rather than it being retold (hearsay) by family, who additionally have their own first hand experiences. I very much appreciate legal info provided by some of posters...JR,to name one, because IMHO the legal aspects of this case cannot be minimalized...and although alot of information is fascinating and worth discussing, actually has no legal bearing on the case. Above all, when one chooses to travel to a foreign country, one is subject to their laws and judicial system (God help the family or anyone in this very frustrating scenario) ...that is one fact, i believe, that cannot be disputed...as always, IMVHO...danie

[Not a Hand Wringer]

I watched Dave himself admit on TV that he didn't really know the context of the "how much money do you have?" question he was asked.

So, if the person who was there can't say with certainty what the context was of the question...

how can internet sleuths determine with certainty how the question was intended?

One can interpret that question any number of ways, and not all of them would indicate inappropriate police behaviour.

And what's with the bozos who write comments like 'police would never ask that question' unless they were seeking a bribe.

How the heck would anyone know with certainty what police ask or don't ask a person at any given time, and the context of a question without being there to hear it?

[MOM]

I watched Dave himself admit on TV that he didn't really know the context of the "how much money do you have?" question he was asked.

So, if the person who was there can't say with certainty what the context was of the question...

how can internet sleuths determine with certainty how the question was intended?

One can interpret that question any number of ways, and not all of them would indicate inappropriate police behaviour.

And what's with the bozos who write comments like 'police would never ask that question' unless they were seeking a bribe.

How the heck would anyone know with certainty what police ask or don't ask a person at any given time, and the context of a question without being there to hear it?

Posted by: Not a Hand Wringer | Nov 4, 2005 12:19:06 PM

All of that doesn't matter, the comment question should have never been asked. There is no place during times like that for unprofessional remarks

[IMO]

A t this point I don't think anything that Beth could do would satsify some.Since Dave seems to have seen the light,even he is getting one hell of a beating.Some have always been against them, and thats their right.Iv'e always thought Natalee will be found,hopefully alive.As being a long time reader here I've seen the NH chat go to the "ANTI-Beth Campaign". Seems they are closely watching,and as soon as a poster tries getting back to basics of why they came here in the 1st place, to take the info they get,look at all angles and debate it, and all of sudden from nowhere ABC posters appear and attack viciously.They do have an agenda thats for sure, they degrade Natalee, BHT, DH ,& the rest.It hasn't always been like this .I've seen some really interesting and civil discussions here and every theory mankind could think of. Getting back to the ABC posters I would surely like to know who they are,by the way,have brought more than just a hate for Beth.Sure the good citizens of Aruba have right to be here and most are here to help,giving us info we wouldn't have without them.
sure they are worried about their econimy,&negative publicity& rightly so.But still some are here,not sure if they're from Aruba,US or where,with threats,degradation to the posters,and to NH&family. Sometimes the remarks are about our 9/11 tragedy that the US asked for it & are asking for it again & many other remarks that are vulgar leave me personally with a Bad feeling & perception of being downright evil. What are these posters doing here and why? What do they mean with these remarks? These ABC posters,maybe not all, have bragged about being banned from other boards,so seems others have not taken them lightly either.It should be looked into and Something should be done about this IMO.These posters have taken away rights of others that have been here from the start,I've seen 1st time posters come on and get stomped from the get go .I've seen some seem to be in a trance after a few rounds because that is the only way to be here otherwise you are'nt going to be in the in crowd and you won't & can't be accepted.Sorry this is so long just makes me sick what is happening and I don't want Dan to get disgusted and shut down the NH blog,because there still some persistant & intelligent posters here with the right idea. Just had to share my thougts.

[Li]

Why is Beth not answering the questions from Dompig about creating a realistic profile on Natalee? Why does Beth not want the Mountain Brook kids questioned again? Why won't Beth be upfront about the funds and insurance money?
Why is it when the questions all turn to investigaing other directions does Beth refuse to cooperate and just get louder about wanting the investigators replaced? It looks like she has something to hide.

[Jody]

Beth hasn't been duped into anything. She knows exactly what is going on because she is in charge of everything. Every misinformation campaign that has happened in this case has either been started by her or approved by her. Anyone who thinks she is innocent in all these lies is very naive. She associates with criminals..that says a lot about her.

[Not a Hand Wringer]

{{ All of that doesn't matter, the comment question should have never been asked. There is no place during times like that for unprofessional remarks }}

Huh?

[hardyandtiny]

is there a link to the letter?

[Marilyn]

is there a link to the letter?

Posted by: hardyandtiny | Nov 4, 2005 5:26:51 PM

I don't have it handy, but Dan posted it yesterday so you might look back to find it...

[Frank]

Dan: I think more appropriate background information would be, at this point, focusing the story on the connections of the Aruban officials and police to Joran Van Der Sloot and Paulus Van Der Sloot. As I recall someone involved in the initial investigation may have been Joran's godfather? The policeman refused to open Deepak's trunk when Beth first confronted Joran. Why? Of course, we will never know since the persons at the scene all started speaking dutch. Aruba is very small. There must only be a handful of people involved in the legal system. Are these investigators the same ones who were invited to Joran's graduation parties? Picnics at the Van Der Sloot compound? Did the elder Van Der Sloot socialize with the supposed investigators? What exactly is the relationship of all involved? I bet there is tons of information out there. We know that Beth's lawyer was in an adversary relationship with the lead investigator. What else is out there relative to the closeness of PVDS to the supposed investigators. Did the former chief work together with PVDS on a daily basis? The answers would probably be valuable to observers and followers of this case. An entire book could probably be written on these professionally incestious relationships. Given the size of Aruba and the supposed lack of crime, the Dutch legal "elite," there seems to be a small close knit "club" environment. How did PVDS get the job, who did the interview? Who was his supervisor. Don't be surprised if these persons are the EXACT same persons investigating the case and making rulings in the show proceedings. But none of this story is being covered. At best the investigators may not want to believe Joran is involved and just gloss over and cover up. At worst they are complicit and accessories to murder after the fact. Why call for all these extraneous issues about the Twittys, and ignore this important background story? I think it is just plain ludicrous to think that Beth is some grand conspirator, i.e after life insurance money, or that Natalee threw it all away, i.e. college, her dreams of pre-med, etc..etc.. and ran away without her passport or money. Back to Beth, all she would have to do is walk away and it seems absolutely clear the investigation into Natalee's disappearance would stop cold, and have her declared dead down the road. It stretches things way too far. If the Aruban LE is not interested in solving the case, however, it would make sense for them to throw everything out there. If someone could provide a background of how PVDS interacted in this sytem with the players involved it would shed more light then thinking a bunch of white suburban high school seniors on a graduation trip for some reason murdered their classmate or her mother is involved in some grand insurance fraud. The real story is in what happened after the disappearance. The real story lies in the Aruban Criminal Justice System (or lack thereof). Thank you, keep up the good work.

[jojo]

There is one question still begging to be answered; Why didn't Natalie leave when everyone else was leaving?

[Frank]

I think that was answered long ago. Natalee was hammered and maybe drugged. Everyone from MB was hammered. Natalee left because she was allegedly attracted to Joran. She left in the Kalpoe car yelling "whoaa..Aruba" out the window. Sounds reasonable, a drunk high school senior having the last blow out night on the island. Perhaps she thought she was going with Joran back to her hotel. Beth thinks Natalee thought she was in a cab. Natalee probably thought Joran wouldn't let anything happen to her. Joran would protect her. After all he was a tourist like her. (Ooops, I forgot he lied about that too) Natalee was probably assuming he was a decent human being, like the boys that she had met or dated in Mountain Brook. It is very sad.

[danie]

Frank - your 1st post was very interesting and raised quite a few relevant questions...unfortunately, perhaps you noticed, as of late, anyone attempting to dicuss anything of legal or evidentiary information are very few and far between. Clarification: i am not referring to all posters, but the majority appear to be more interested in name calling, bashing each other,etc.

Those informed posters who added quite a bit of information (JR Dutch Att, edward, TIPS just to name a few)are on so rarely and sorely missed...as soon as a decent discussion gets going off the majority go on a tangent such as jello shots for 2 days! Very disappointing...but IMHO, i feel Dan has very much changed the tone of the site (absolutely his right) but encourages less than interesting debates.

There are other interesting posters and by all indications, sincere informed individuals who are worth looking for...i in no way implying that all should agree (boring!), but the quality of the discussions has surely disintegrated. Instead of spending some constructive time on your questions regarding the relationship of the main players and what legal and investigatory ramifications they may have....the discussion will turn more to bashing eachothers opinions. Sad, but hopefully there will be a turn back to the informative discussions that used to take place in an adult manner...as always JMHO...danie

[hockeygirl]

Thanks RDwarrior...

Frank, I also read that Croes is godfather to one of the Van der Sloot children and that he taught Paulus VDS (supposedly at law school). PVDS also still works for and in the Aruban judiciary and has been described as one of Croes' "best friends." As they say: "If it walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck...it is a duck."

FYI-Check out some of the latest Beth bashing articles and media releases-they have been translated and are posted on the web at:

http://getagripmonkey.blogspot.com/,
the title to the web page is as follows:
(All the rest is their wording.)

ARUBA GETAGRIP
A COMPILATION OF TRANSLATED AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARUBAN MEDIA ARTICLES REGARDING THE NATALEE HOLLOWAY INVESTIGATION.

Beth Twitty has to come give a declaration once more and explain what is happening with the emergency fund of millions of dollars, according to Dompig

DIARIO Aruba
10/26/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN): During an interview with Police Commissioner Dompig, he explained that the investigative team has invited Natalee Holloway’s mother, Beth Twitty to tell police more about the last contact she had with her daughter.

Dompig indicated that the mother has made her intention to boycott Aruba, while Natalee’s father has cooperated very well with the investigation.

The commissioner says that it is very lamentable that the mother prefers to have contact with police only through her lawyer or American ‘talkshows’.

He also explains that he fully denies to go on any talkshow to answer questions along with the mother.

In this way, the investigative team has invited Beth Twitty to come back to Aruba, to take her declaration again, seeing that there have been rumours around it, in which it was said that police in Aruba changed her declaration.

The investigative team also has different questions for the mother, about certain things surrounding this case, among others what is happening with the emergency fund that is available to them for this case.

The commissioner said that perhaps it’s difficult to ask certain questions, but they don’t have to lie to each other.

The case here is the mother's attacks on Aruba ending, so we are not afraid to ask certain questions.

Dompig indicated that he will ask the mother, what she did with the money that many people contributed with her, putting millions of dollars in a so-called ‘emergency fund’.

Another questions is: “ why doesn’t Natalee’s father have access to this money, when he has to ask for discounts here, like for example for his travel ticket”?

This is all he wants explained on the part of the mother of Natalee Holloway, because it’s part of the investigation. DIARIO asked Dompig if he has found any valuable tips.

The commissioner explains that every tip is assigned a number and if the tip results in being very good, the person can earn a reward, however the fund Dompig speaks of is a fund from people around the world, especially America, who have contributed with much money to help the family with expenses related to the case, that has now reached some million dollars.

According to Dompig, another important question is how this money is not used to help with payments of, for example, those who come to conduct searches in Aruba.

Commissioner Dompig showed as an example the tremendous work of Fred Golba made with his two dogs some time ago and explains that Golba wants to come back to continue searching.

Given that he is looking for funds to pay for his ticket and stay in Aruba to come search, how can he not find funds from the millions that Beth Twitty has from the fund?

This is also a very important part of the investigation. This because a case such as Natalee’s has different scenarios. One scenario is that a person killed Natalee, or for whatever reason she is no longer living.

Another scenario is that she is alive, but everything in the case is a ‘set up’, to profit in one way or another.

One possibility for example is that they said she is deceased, and they can collect the life insurance money, while in reality she is not deceased, but another way is that with collecting funds from people with good intentions that send money for the fund and the family enriches themselves.

If the mother gives information about how much money there is and how much money she is spending, he has no problem with this. However, if the mother has everything secret, this becomes part of the investigation because it puts the case in a different light.

DIARIO indicated that the more the mother appears on the programs, perhaps more money she finds for the fund. Dompig explains that the Task Force of Aruba, along with the government gave him the OK for him to go on the American live programs, but via telephone, for him to give the other side of the coin to what has happened and is happening with this case.

He explains that this has caused them to achieve a lot, seeing that America has said that at last Aruba is giving information, where they have started to look in another direction, to check other possibilities.

One of the possibilities for example, is that the three suspects are not guilty, or that they’re not the only guilty ones. Dompig explains that he is actually doing everything he can to find via the FBI the information that is missing about the group from America, more detailed declarations, so that they can exclude certain possibilities.

In no moment has Aruban police had a chance to exclude the group from Alabama in the investigation, because they left Aruba.

According to Commissioner Dompig he still has different important questions for the group, among others how they went to the airport if Natalee did not appear, and how they didn’t sound the alarm earlier than when they left, of those who where staying in the room with her.

While politicians are fighting for positions
Beth Twitty is active in Aruba, without any respect for local authorities

A.M. Digital
11/03/2005

Beth Twitty is back in Aruba and this time she brought a battalion of people of Paramount Pictures armed with video and audio equipment. Beth Twitty is back to continue with her negative campaign against Aruba. We understand that she is here to try to be present at the annual meeting of the Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association with the North American Tour Operators. In that meeting Twitty has the intention to address the North American Tour Operators and tell them why she thinks that they should not continue to sell Aruba as a tourist destination. AHATA and ATA executives do not think that she can be present at this meeting just like that. Fact is that Beth Twitty is here to try to cause more damage to the image of Aruba and its authorities.

Does Beth Twitty think that she can come here whenever she feels like, harass us on our own territory, and expect that nobody does anything?

Our phones have been red hot since her arrival in Aruba. We have information that there is a group of people that will not hesitate to go into a direct confrontation with Beth Twitty of she tries anything of that sort again.

On the other hand the general question is why the Government is not doing anything about this person. The police already stated that they will watch Twitty very closely and the slightest violation of our laws will land her in jail if necessary.

END

Boohoohoo to Aruba's trade industry.

Now Beth is the perpetrator? I think Aruba needs a lesson about the good guys and the bad guys again and which is which. A brush up course on who gets investigated and prosecuted after a murder, i.e. the suspects, and not the people who assist in solving or investigating the crime, should be mandatory.

And talk about threats and people that live in glass houses...what does "go into a direct confrontation" mean? I don't know, but it sure doesn't sound good. And threatening to put Beth in jail?!!!! They need to stop smoking the drapes down there.

Wait a minute...I've got it: someone should get Joran and the "boys" to get on CNN and call for an Aruban boycott. THEN they'll get put in jail...!

[justthefactspls]

Beth Twitty was on Fox last night stating that Friday was the worst day since May 30th. Friday was when she received a letter from the Aruban gov't explaining that to change officials in this investigation and prosecution she would have to go to the Hague.

Why was this such a surporise to her? She has an Aruban lawyer working for her. Surely she discussed the procedure for accomplishing a change in the investigation with the person on her payroll who worked in the prosecutors office and actually knows Aruban law.

Was this really a shock to her, or did she already know that the gov't would have to advise her of the proper legal channel to take. Did she do this knowing full well it would just give her something new to criticise the gov't about and get more tv airtime?

Why not speak to your lawyer about how to have the investigators changed and start the proper process as early as possible? Do you think she's going to take this to the Hague? Or do you believe she's been advised she won't be able to have the investigators changed by the Hague and to just use the situation to get as much publicity/pressure out of it as she can?

The executive and judicary branches are separate in Aruba. Beth must know that by now. How is writing a letter to the prime minister/parliament going to change judicial officials? How is the prosecutor going to change investigating officers in the police department? What authority does Beth believe they have to do that under the law? Didn't they try to find out first?

Honestly, I can't understand her not being advised by her lawyer early on that the procedure for changing the investigators and prosecutors would involve more than just writing a letter. If she had been advised of that, then is all this just for more criticism of the Aruban gov't and more media coverage?