Natalee Holloway Update

Over the past few days I did have the opportunity to speak with Dave Holloway and another representative of the family. I also had occasion to speak very briefly with Joran Van Der Sloot attorney, Joe Tacopina.

While some parts of those conversations are confidential, that is not to say they were substantial or material to the resolution to the case in some way. I thought I would at least attempt to share what I could as an observer of this case.

Tacopina struck me as a decent sort, basically down to earth, very involved in defending the civil suit if necessary - and of the mind that Joran Van Der Sloot is innocent of any possible charges. Of course, he is his civil attorney and I wouldn't expect him to express anything else. However, he at least struck me as sincere in his belief. For my part, I told him I simply didn't know one way or another.

As regards Dave, it's always positive speaking with him, the few times I have, as he continues to strike me as a rather straight forward and decent man. Clearly he continues to believe that the investigation in Aruba did not go as well as it might have, possibly resulting in a failure to come up with the answers so many seek. I can't say as I disagree with that.

Based on all the information I have from multiple sources (and much of it is as amorphous as what we have all seen or heard) it would seem to me that there are enough outstanding or unclear questions that ALE should be continuing some type of investigation. Whether they are, or not, I honestly can't say. At this point, I'd find it troubling if they weren't.

As for the civil suit, based only on my opinion and no inside information whatsoever, I would anticipate it being dismissed. But then, walking into a court room for anything, let alone a civil suit, is never a sure thing.

I continue to wish, as I believe most do, that whatever the facts, if anyone knows anything at all, they'll come forward, or we'll somehow gain some closure on this tragedy through other means.

At the very least, this case and everyone directly involved deserves honest answers, however difficult they may be to get.

Comments

[moey]

Shonane 3/8/06 @ 1:08 AM

Shonane:

Thanks for bringing up the phone call here also. I have asked about this phone call since I first heard about it back in the beginning, but no one involved in the case will ever talk about it; other than the initial conversation Greta and Beth had. I hope it has been checked out and documented either by ALE, FBI or others in charge.

I'm anxious to read the Motion Joran's attorney is filing today. IMHO I believe the lawsuit will be dismissed, but others will follow. Moey

[Snazzy]

Would it be more fair to say its not the people that live in Aruba or anywhere else. But sometimes like anywhere else there are bad people in positions that can be crupt. I am not saying a perticular place is corupt over another. But we surely have seen different police force in the United States even have some bad cops. But it don't mean the rest of the force is that way either. nor does it mean the people are bad or courpt either in the different communities either. There is good and bad everywhere in this world. You can't blame a city, state or country for actions of a few. That isn't fair.

[A Guy]

Yeah, right. Can't wait to read a book based on rumors, rank speculation, and misrepresentations by the media... according to DAVE HOLLOWAY! That's gotta be some book. He should pay us for reading it.

Posted by: Max | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 12:28 PM
____________________________________
Shame your so narrow minded to miss the point that maybe another young womans life might be saved by reading the story of Natalee and understand that when in or out of one's home country you have to travel carefully and understand your environment.

What is so bad about that?

[MrsLevy]

Shame your so narrow minded to miss the point that maybe another young womans life might be saved by reading the story of Natalee and understand that when in or out of one's home country you have to travel carefully and understand your environment.

What is so bad about that?

Posted by: A Guy |

If they are too stupid to know that the world is dangerous without reading Dave's book, maybe they deserve to disappear...before they breed.

MrsLevy

[Ripley]

vc,

What Dave should do is to stop dragging his daughter's memory through the mud ,begging for search donations when there is no search and selling fictional books,what puzzles me is when are they are going to hold a memorial service for their only daughter.He is so desperate for money he probably charge admission

[COLUMBO]

What proof do you have Natalee died? What proof do you have anything happened to Natalee? All I know is she disappeared.

Posted by: kaycee77025 | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 11:22 AM

While not "proof," a good indication is that Dompig stated publicly that the investigation being conducted is of a premeditated murder, with other suspicions.....for somebody representing a vacation island with a tourism-based economy I'd say it would be pretty reckless to use these terms loosely....especially under Dutch law...the polis are obviously in possession of information that she is dead

[Bitsey]

what puzzles me is when are they are going to hold a memorial service for their only daughter.He is so desperate for money he probably charge admission
Posted by: Ripley | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 01:43 PM

Several prayer vigils have been held. You must not have been invited.

[Esso]

Ripley,

How could you say so about Dave, are you cold as ice, or colder? He writes the truth about his daughter, if he should not, another person should write a truth that is not the truth at all. Dave gets money for his book, money to solve the disapperance of his daughter and other cases like that. I shall read his book about his daughter and Aruba when it comes to Sweden.

Bo "Esso" Peterson

[Pearly]

I'm a little confused about the Tacopino thing. Last night I heard Tacopino say "Joran and his parents RETAINED ME". How does that coincide with Joran saying Tacopino went to THEM and is representing him pro bono?

[Rob]

While not "proof," a good indication is that Dompig stated publicly that the investigation being conducted is of a premeditated murder, with other suspicions.....for somebody representing a vacation island with a tourism-based economy I'd say it would be pretty reckless to use these terms loosely....especially under Dutch law...the polis are obviously in possession of information that she is dead

Posted by: COLUMBO | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 01:53 PM

Maybe you have a point here Columbo but I doubt that they have actual information that she is dead.If that were so the suspects would have been rearrested or to the least brought in for mandatory interrogation. If Dompig thinks its reasonable to believe strange callers crying out in Papiamento from some corner of the world then its not difficult to understand this as well. Dompig also said that he heard the Holiday Inn was not happy with the MB group which has not been confirmed by another source. I certainly agree that it was reckless of him to say those words publicly. Maybe he was trying to impress the media by making it appear that they were really into the case and how seriously they were taking it. Sounds like damage control after the initial disinterest shown by the ALE ,"Go get a beer at CnCs and she'll turn up there shortly."

[Bitsey]

Last night I heard Tacopino say "Joran and his parents RETAINED ME". How does that coincide with Joran saying Tacopino went to THEM and is representing him pro bono?
Posted by: Pearly | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 02:02 PM

If Tacopino approached Joran, he's nothing more than an ambulance chaser. If he also offered free services, he's in it for his own exposure.

[moey]

Bitsey March 8 2006 @ 2:08 PM

Bitsey: Give me a break!

[Destiny]

If they are too stupid to know that the world is dangerous without reading Dave's book, maybe they deserve to disappear...before they breed.

MrsLevy

Posted by: MrsLevy | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 01:34 PM

you are so ugly and you say the nastiest things

[brian]

Is arubanboycott.blogspot.com supposed to be satirical? The site seems like an on-line Phil Hendry show. I want to know before I fall for the joke.

[Pearly]

Bitsy~

I get your point, but what is the truth? Did Tacopino solicit Joran, or did the VDS's solicit Tacopino?

It's clear as glass what Tacopino's doing! It's as smarmy as it gets, IN MY OPINION. Love how Tacopino starts by saying how sympathetic he is to any parent who's lost a child, blab blab blab. He couldn't care less about the parents of this lost child, or any missing kid unless it was his own. JUST MY OPINION!

[A Guy]

If they are too stupid to know that the world is dangerous without reading Dave's book, maybe they deserve to disappear...before they breed.

MrsLevy

Posted by: MrsLevy | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 01:34 PM
________________________________________

MrsLevy...I'm just too much of a gentleman to type out what I want to say to you. I hope you get help soon.

[cheri]

Dave's "co author" r. stephanie good began posting on the aol message board about natalee holloway maybe 2 months ago...she was nasty, very "superior" and acted like she had an "in" with dave

we soon figured out who she was....her info is on the net, her screen name was "goodlaw">> she is also garrison's sister...he seems to like nepotism

apparently the Michelle of the boycott aruba blog, the one who champions Joe Mannana? now feels that Garrison is "pimpimg" Joran and that dave has made a bad choice....she had some nasty articles about garrison..

and maybe Beth did not mind? as we have a picture of Beth with michelle at the Ball state speaking engagment just last week

last night Michelle took the picture down...today her blog, with it's many Joe Mannana statements, threats, and name calling of Joran is GONE>>> it is down...

so manybe some of the rats are scurrying to the tune of Joe T
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beth's leg?? did beth really break her leg? if so how...where?? I do hope she is ok, even tho I can NOT stand the way she has acted on tv etc

~~~~~~~~~~ more lawsuits?? I think that Geraldo would be a place to start..with his pronouncements that Joran is a sociopath just last week on O'Riley

another one to sue>> Joe Felon Countertop Mannana...this guy has publicly threatened Joran etc...horrible horrible low class vile man

Beth should remove herself from Joe M asap...but of course last week she was photographed with Joe's mouthpiece /number one fan blogger Michelle

[Bitsey]

Bitsy~

I get your point, but what is the truth? Did Tacopino solicit Joran, or did the VDS's solicit Tacopino?

It's clear as glass what Tacopino's doing! It's as smarmy as it gets, IN MY OPINION. Love how Tacopino starts by saying how sympathetic he is to any parent who's lost a child, blab blab blab. He couldn't care less about the parents of this lost child, or any missing kid unless it was his own. JUST MY OPINION!
Posted by: Pearly | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 02:18 PM

All defense lawyers are smarmy at one time or another. It comes with the territory. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Could be Tacopino had someone else initiate contact so that it would appear Joran contacted him. Tacopino's comments are worth as much as Joran has paid for them.

[kaycee77025]

Destiny, space aliens .....

[JW]

If we go by Aruba standards Mr. Tacopino will have an easy job. At the least somebody besides the people in Aruba will have access to all the info in the case.

[JW]

Why won't Joran cooperate with the ALE? They have requested him to come answer some questions regarding the case. He says he wants this to be solved but he can't put out any effort. Mr. Tacopino, good luck with this guy.

[kaycee77025]

ummm...kaycee...
We have had people involved with Aruban Law Enforcement/Aruban officials tell the family that their daughter was dead. We have had Aruba's mouthpiece, Steve Cohen, state that the three boys killed her. How about Dompig's statements that the boys killed her? We have had statements from the three perps themselves that "something bad happened".
You see Kaycee....when evidence is covered up so well because of the damage it would cause Aruba...you have no proof. "No body, no crime." No evidence - no proof.
So how do Aruban officials or mouthpieces know that she died? Sorry Kaycee...this is how cover-ups work. Follow the money....this is all about getting a prominent son off the hook and Aruba's travel industry staying on course. Unfortunately - it has backfired. Gigs up Aruba... md

Posted by: minnesota dad | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 11:35 AM
------------------------------------------------
The money seems to be going to the Twitties and Holloways.

Obviously the mouthpieces were either wrong or misquoted or stated unproven opinion.

We all agree Dompig is an idiot.
The spokesperson of the Strategic Communications Task Force, Steve Cohen ...

Strategic Communications Task Force

The Strategic Communications Task Force is a working group established in Aruba to address the issues surrounding the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The task force includes representatives from AHATA (Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association), ATA (Aruba Tourism Authority), business and government leaders. Former Governor Olindo Koolman has agreed to serve as the Senior Advisor for the task force. The task force continues to support the Holloway/Twitty family and will continue to offer support in their search for Natalee Holloway. Members of the Strategic Communications Task Force:
Mr. Olindo Koolman (Senior Advisor)
Mr. Jaap Beaujon (Advisor)
Mr. Serge Mansur (ATIA)
Mr. Greg Peterson (ATIA)
Mr. Jorge Pesquera (AHATA)
Mr. Jeff Lesker (AHATA)
Mr. Alfonso Riveroll (AHATA)
Ms. Myrna Jansen (ATA)
Mr. Rob Smith (Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation)
Mr. Bill Carson (Banking Sector/AHATA)
Mr. Edwin Roos (Chamber of Commerce)
Mr. Ruben Trappenberg (Aruba Government)
Mr. Eric Brete (Aruba Government)

So, Cohen doesn't work for the government.

The ALLEGED perps, remember that word, also said they didn't do it ... you're going to believe that half of what they say you want to believe and the rest is lies? Of course the answer is yes.

Evidence, md, not hearsay...

Follow the money to the Holloways and Twitties ...

[kaycee77025]

md, they say they are Beth supporters, that Steve Cohen is on Beth's side ..... duh ..

[Destiny]

sides? there are no sides. why choose sides. a crime has been committed. aruba has the power to solve this case and bring forth justice.

i couldnt care less about jorans "side" because his side is all lies

[kaycee77025]

But what crime, Destiny? What crime is there evidence of? All we have is a missing girl and some young men who were seen with her. Nothing else, and it certainly isn't enough to say a crime was committed.

[kaycee77025]

Destiny, you seem more worried about sides than I do. If j2k did it, hang them .... but prove it first.

[Bitsey]

But what crime, Destiny? What crime is there evidence of? All we have is a missing girl and some young men who were seen with her. Nothing else, and it certainly isn't enough to say a crime was committed.

Posted by: kaycee77025 | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 03:35 PM

It's enough for the ALE.

[moey]

Kaycee:

Right, convict whoever you prove with corroborated evidence that they did it. Until then, everything is a guess as there is no evidence of any crime, nothing other than a missing US girl in Aruba. There is no definitive evidence that J2K were the last to see Natalee, either. IMHO Moey

[A Guy]

There is no definitive evidence that J2K were the last to see Natalee, either. IMHO Moey

Posted by: moey | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 03:47 PM

Moey...had your head in the sand the last 9-10 months?? There are eye witnesses since day 1 of this case that state NH was last seen alive in the company of JVDS and The Kalpoes.

[Sol Ronseberg]

If Dompig believes Natalee is dead, someone should start digging into the kidnapping theory. No one wants to talk much about that...I would be skeptical of anything that man has to say.

- Sol

[Barry]

If we think about a couple of things that have been said on this blog today it changes a few other things. 1st if the phone call from Natalee at four in the morning was true, the comments that were made, were made in English. If was also said that Deepak and Satish do not speak english. So if that phone call did happen and if the Kaploes can't speack english it changes the story.. However, I seem to remember Deepak speaking english on other occasions??

[Truthinplainsite]

Good Afternoon Everyone -

I was trying to connect the dots on the timeline for the last night and was questioning whether Joran went home after playing cards in the casino or if K2 simply picked him up there...

If the casino tape is from the last night, Joran is wearing a white short sleeve shirt...and...if the picture Dan posted on this site is from the last night, then Joran in fact changed shirts.

IMO - if he changed shirts, chances are he went home after playing cards and before going to C&C that night. This would lead me to believe that Paulus did pick him up that night around 11:00pm and he went home.

TIPS

[Truthinplainsite]

Barry -

If Deepak doesn't speak english...then Jamie Skeeters really messed with the tape :-)

TIPS

[berry]

I agree with Tacopina. The suit will be dismissed. I hope BT and Greta have a good talk and perhaps Greta can impart some of the insights she recently developed relevant to Joran. Maybe it's time to confront the possibility he's not the one. All the suit filing and bullying will not find answers if the only one being asked questions is Joran.

[Sgt. York]

FACT: A girl is missing (possibly murdered) - Joran and K-Bros fabricate a series of lies.

FACT: Joran and K-Bros lied when they stated they dropped the girl off at the hotel.

FACT: Joran and K-Bros fabricated a story that led to the arrest of two black security guards.

FACT: Joran later told police that the K-Bros dropped him off at his house alone and then the K-Bros left with the girl. Joran now claims this is a lie.

FACT: Joran presented multiple lies spaning several months.

FACT: By lying for months Joran and the K-Bros impeded the investigation. Joran eventually asserts that he left the girl on the beach. If Joran had initially told police that he left her on the beach the police could have searched the beach for clues (blood, clothes, witnesses, etc.) but when he finally gave this version of the story months had passed.

=====================

[moey]

A guy:

Yes, that is right they were seen with Natalee. HOWEVER, who knows who she was with after that time. She could have been with a half dozen people after Joran left her - there is no corroborating evidence that she was not with someone else, went somewhere else or whatever. There is no evidence - lots of speculation and stories, but nothing concrete, period.

The Motion to Dismiss/extend time to answer looks great. I think he did a good job and would expect that it will be thrown out. IMHO Moey

[Truthinplainsite]

Fact - Joran is still considered a prime suspect and Aruba doesn't allow for plea bargins.

He may know a lot more than what he is saying, but why give out the details if you are the number 1 suspect?

He has told the ALE certain things and they don't believe him...he said in late August in front of the judge that K2 dropped him off at his house and drove away with NH. Judge didn't believe him, so he changed his story to got dropped off at the beach. He was released after he changed his story...now who should we blame...Joran or the ALE?

TIPS

[moey]

TIPS:

I'm sure if the ALE had the evidence they would re-arrest Joran and put him on trial. To me it is pretty apparent that they don't have evidence. There really does not seem to be any other than there is a missing girl. IMHO Moey

[minnesota dad]

Kaycee,

Nice try....follow the money to the Holloways/Twittys.

Tell me...what tourism $$$ flow to the Holloways/Twittys that would make you say that? How are the Twittys truly profiteering off of this tragedy? So do you think they set up the abduction and murder of their daughter to make a few bucks? That is how you sound.

Tourist dollars are in the billions that come into Aruba each year. Damage to these billions of dollars costs Aruba a lot in lost jobs, lost profits, and standard of living. Anything that you accuse the Holloway/Twittys of would be a flea on a horse's ass compared to what Tourism means to Aruba.

You're just a paid shill from Aruba. Keep trying to divert from the real issue of this case: That this is a cover-up brought on by the Aruban Government in order to protect a prominent son and Aruban tourism. md

[Destiny]

i think it is so sad that kaycee doesnt value human life.

moey, is that answer online to read?

[JustDoIt]

We all keep spinning the same wheels over and over and over again. It has gotten to the point in this case that all we seem to do is talk about everything BUT what could have actually happened to Natalee. She seems to have gotten lost in all of this. I still remain steadfast in my belief that Natalee's remains are out at sea and she was taken there by boat after an accidental death. Who, how, why, where and when is what we have been dicussing ad nauseaum for almost 10 months now. I honestly do not think she will ever be found and that is a true tragedy, BUT, all lives must continue...I keep saying I am going to stop posting on the boards but something keeps bringing me back. Very sad situation for many people, as well as any victim of any crime and their families and loved ones.

[kaycee77025]

JustDoIt, what happened to Natalee? Back it up with some evidence, not hearsay.

[JustDoIt]

JustDoIt, what happened to Natalee? Back it up with some evidence, not hearsay.

Posted by: kaycee77025 | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 04:52 PM

Are you one of those who think she is "hiding" from her "life" in Alabama? Give me a break.

[moey]

Destiny:

Yes it is. Go to www.xs4all.nl/~dugo/doc2.pdf. Its all there. A Motion for Extension of time to Answer and Motion to Dismiss for inconvenient forum with attachments. Moey

[JustDoIt]

Hi Moey

[moey]

Hi JustDOIt

[JustDoIt]

Moey - How is everything? I have been trying to stay away from here, but like a giant magnet, it hauls me back in. LOL

[kaycee77025]

Kaycee,
Nice try....follow the money to the Holloways/Twittys.
Tell me...what tourism $$$ flow to the Holloways/Twittys that would make you say that? How are the Twittys truly profiteering off of this tragedy? So do you think they set up the abduction and murder of their daughter to make a few bucks? That is how you sound.
Tourist dollars are in the billions that come into Aruba each year. Damage to these billions of dollars costs Aruba a lot in lost jobs, lost profits, and standard of living. Anything that you accuse the Holloway/Twittys of would be a flea on a horse's ass compared to what Tourism means to Aruba.
You're just a paid shill from Aruba. Keep trying to divert from the real issue of this case: That this is a cover-up brought on by the Aruban Government in order to protect a prominent son and Aruban tourism. md
Posted by: minnesota dad | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 04:43 PM
-------------------------------------------------
I'm getting the tourist money? what a goof you are! You have NO evidence and call names and make accusations you know you don't have to prove. I'm surprised you haven't described me as a sexual organ or other body part.

Let me quote you, md .... "You see Kaycee....when evidence is covered up so well because of the damage it would cause Aruba...you have no proof. "No body, no crime." No evidence - no proof. "

Like you say, you don't have evidence .... whatever happened to it, there is none that we know of. See, we agree ... there is no evidence of a crime .... duh

[kaycee77025]

JustDoIt, what happened to Natalee? Back it up with some evidence, not hearsay.
Posted by: kaycee77025 | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 04:52 PM
Are you one of those who think she is "hiding" from her "life" in Alabama? Give me a break.
Posted by: JustDoIt | Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 04:54 PM
--------------------------------------
I don't know, there is no evidence!

If you know what happened, why aren't you giving evidence to ALE?

[Truthinplainsite]

If Joran is now telling the truth, I sure would like to know about his signed statement back in late August that got K2 re-arrested and the report that him and the Kalpoes were arguing in front of the judge on him being dropped off and K2 left with NH...if his interview was the truth...what was his signed statement back then? Another lie? I thought that the reason they were able to re-arrest the Kalpoes is because NH was drifting in and out of consciouness and they were accessories?

Did Greta not remember the details of the case to ask these questions?

TIPS