Observations regarding the case

By Guest Author Jon (anonymous)

Jon has been a well-regarded and prolific internet poster on the Natalee Holloway case, primarily of Scrux.com. He has long been respected as perhaps this story's most thorough researcher and is a stickler for factual representation about the events that make up the case. He has also created what most observers agree is the most accurate timeline available as an internet resource. Here he presents his own opinions.

Is there "No Evidence of a Crime?"

It's certainly fair to say there is no physical evidence of a crime. But no evidence whatsoever? Here I must disagree with the title of this book- there is very compelling circumstantial evidence of a crime: The lies and conflicting stories by the last three persons seen with Natalee (especially those by Joran, the very last person seen with her), and the absence of a body.

How did the trio's lies hurt the investigation?

In any missing persons case, the two single most important pieces of information, are where was the person last seen, and with who.

Had Joran van der Sloot and the Kalpoes told the truth from the beginning instead of the Holiday Inn lie, that Joran and Natalee were actually dropped off at the beach north of the Marriott, at the Fisherman Huts, then ALE would have been concentrating their search in that area, two weeks earlier. Perhaps they might have found some physical evidence (such as Joran's shoes, Natalee's clothing, or forensic traces), before it was removed, or destroyed by the elements. They might have conducted a more timely search of dumpsters in the area. They could have interviewed witnesses who were on the beach that night while their memory was still fresh. They could have checked surveillance cameras which Joran might have passed if he walked home from the Marriott Beach, before the tapes were erased.

And having been told from the beginning that Natalee was last seen with Joran, once they began taking the case seriously, ALE's primary focus would immediately have been on Joran, rather than a nonexistent security guard. As a result, Joran might have been arrested at least a week earlier, possibly (if he is guilty) while he was less mentally prepared to withstand interrogation, or while he still expected Natalee's body might be found, or while he still had unhealed injuries from a struggle.