Just In!! Holloway Case Officially Closed

[sciencegirl]

Fox is reporting that the officials of Aruba have officially closed the case on Natalie Holloway. No link yet.

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[chambord]

Fox is reporting that the officials of Aruba have officially closed the case on Natalie Holloway. No link yet.

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Yes, its official, Jug Twitty just spoke to Fox News. I totally expected it, no suprise. Shame on Aruba for putting the family thru this past months anquish.

My heart goes out to Natalee's family on hearing the case is now closed.

[Luke Davis]

Yes, its official, Jug Twitty just spoke to Fox News. I totally expected it, no suprise. Shame on Aruba for putting the family thru this past months anquish.

My heart goes out to Natalee's family on hearing the case is now closed.Thanks for the info.


Case Closed (http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5251790&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.3.1)

[Luke Davis]

HOUSTON -- Texas Equusearch is in Aruba today to resume the search for missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway.

Volunteers will work with an exploration company and use a ship and sonar equipment to map the ocean floor. Equusearch founder Tim Miller is on board that ship.

Holloway was in Aruba when she disappeared in May of 2005. Miller were reportedly told her body may be in an underwater crab trap.

Search (http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=5841828)

[Justiceguy]

In the USA one never closes a murder investigation until a final adjudication in a court.

I guess murder is so uncommon in Holland and Aruba that they think they can just forget about it?

Makes no sense to me. Very sad.

[MomOfTwo]

how sad for that family....:1222423:

[chambord]

how sad for that family....:1222423:

What that govt. has done to that family is like putting the final nail in the coffin.

Beth just spoke to Fox, and said she is not ready to go before the media.

They rearrested Joran the day before Thanksgiving, and now a few days before Xmas. they closed it. Beth can't get a break. I hope some day she is able to find her daughter.

[concerto]

I just saw this report on tv.

I can't not imagine what Beth and Dave are feeling. Bless their hearts.

[TobyTiger]

ARUBA ENDS PROBE INTO HOLLOWAY DISAPPEARANCE (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22312287/)

updated 23 minutes ago
ORANJESTAD, Aruba - Authorities have closed the investigation into the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and do not have evidence to charge anyone, the prosecutors' office said Tuesday.

Prosecutors said in a statement that they have notified the three suspects who were last seen with the Alabama teenager that they will not be charged.

"The public prosecutor's office and the police have gone the extra mile and have exhausted all their powers and techniques in order to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the girl," prosecutors said.

more at the link

[TobyTiger]

What that govt. has done to that family is like putting the final nail in the coffin.

Beth just spoke to Fox, and said she is not ready to go before the media.

They rearrested Joran the day before Thanksgiving, and now a few days before Xmas. they closed it. Beth can't get a break. I hope some day she is able to find her daughter.

It certainly isn't fair to any family to put them through such an emotional turmoil. Hopefully someday soon Natalee will be found...
:1222423:

[Pauli]

Sadly, I don't think we will ever know what happened to Natalee :1222423:

[sciencegirl]

What I think is shameful is that the Prosecutors led the Holloway family and everyone on about having "new evidence"; when there was not. As Jugg said "they out right lied to us".

Makes me sick to my stomach.

[sciencegirl]

Sadly, I don't think we will ever know what happened to Natalee :1222423:


As with Jon Bonet' Ramsey.

[Texas53]

Isn't Ramsey dating Natalie's mother? I know he was for awhile.

[sciencegirl]

Isn't Ramsey dating Natalie's mother? I know he was for awhile.

Yes, he is. At least that's the last I heard.

[Texas53]

It's kinda weird in some ways. Two people dating each other and having daughters who died as they did and no evidence of who did it. But having been through such a thing, they really can understand what the other is going through and thats good for both of them.

[sciencegirl]

:s1gyahoo:It's kinda weird in some ways. Two people dating each other and having daughters who died as they did and no evidence of who did it. But having been through such a thing, they really can understand what the other is going through and thats good for both of them.

I agree. I don't want to get off topic; but I always felt that Ramsey's son was some how involved in Jon Benet's death. But, purely accidental. I mean, heck; I have 7 brothers; and when I was young; I was pushed, shoved, kicked; and even fell down the stairs once. Thank goodness, that's all changed.

[SavannahStar]

In the USA one never closes a murder investigation until a final adjudication in a court.

I guess murder is so uncommon in Holland and Aruba that they think they can just forget about it?

Makes no sense to me. Very sad.


It's a cold case, not "closed" in the sense that nothing will ever be done, SHOULD solid evidence ever be discovered that could lead to a conviction. If forensic evidence or a confession happened tomorrow, you better believe the case would reopen and someone would be charged with a crime.

It's been a roller coaster for everyone involved, on both sides. I sympathize with Beth for having lost her daughter but I've been convinced from very early on that J/K2 never harmed Natalee nor do they know what happened to her. I am very glad they will now be able to go on with their lives.

God bless everyone in this entire mess. I hope someday Beth will have answers.

[Sumanadevii]

It's a cold case, not "closed" in the sense that nothing will ever be done, SHOULD solid evidence ever be discovered that could lead to a conviction. If forensic evidence or a confession happened tomorrow, you better believe the case would reopen and someone would be charged with a crime.

It's been a roller coaster for everyone involved, on both sides. I sympathize with Beth for having lost her daughter but I've been convinced from very early on that J/K2 never harmed Natalee nor do they know what happened to her. I am very glad they will now be able to go on with their lives.

God bless everyone in this entire mess. I hope someday Beth will have answers.

For Natalee that justice may some day come...:1222423:
For Beth that she will find strength....:1222423:

[Luke Davis]

For Natalee that justice may some day come...:1222423:
For Beth that she will find strength....:1222423:
For Dave who never gave up the search :1222423:

[LiveLaughLuv]

In the USA one never closes a murder investigation until a final adjudication in a court.

I guess murder is so uncommon in Holland and Aruba that they think they can just forget about it?

Makes no sense to me. Very sad.

Murder has no statute of limitations in the USA, I know, my brother was killed 24 years ago, no one was held responsible. It is now in the cold case squad.

Is Aruba treating this as a murder investigation or a missing persons case?

I think since there is no body, they cannot say she was murdered, just missing.

I wonder if new evidence surfaces, can they be re-investigated?

[sweetgranny]

Murder has no statute of limitations in the USA, I know, my brother was killed 24 years ago, no one was held responsible. It is now in the cold case squad.

Is Aruba treating this as a murder investigation or a missing persons case?

I think since there is no body, they cannot say she was murdered, just missing.

I wonder if new evidence surfaces, can they be re-investigated?
Surely they can re-investigate:1222423:

[Chocoholic]

In the USA one never closes a murder investigation until a final adjudication in a court.

I guess murder is so uncommon in Holland and Aruba that they think they can just forget about it?

Makes no sense to me. Very sad.

I guess you missed the part where the Curacao judge deemed there was not enough evidence to even establish that a violent crime had taken place in the Natalee Holloway disappearance, let alone enough evidence of murder.

[Chocoholic]

Murder has no statute of limitations in the USA, I know, my brother was killed 24 years ago, no one was held responsible. It is now in the cold case squad.

Is Aruba treating this as a murder investigation or a missing persons case?

I think since there is no body, they cannot say she was murdered, just missing.

I wonder if new evidence surfaces, can they be re-investigated?


Nothing short of Natalee's body would re-open this investigation. That's going to be very difficult to find.

[Grande]

I guess you missed the part where the Curacao judge deemed there was not enough evidence to even establish that a violent crime had taken place in the Natalee Holloway disappearance, let alone enough evidence of murder.

Please be a little considerate Chocoholic. 'I guess you missed the part...' is rude imo. Thank you.

[Grande]

Nothing short of Natalee's body would re-open this investigation. That's going to be very difficult to find.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Again, this isn't the time. To me, this is badgering and it's unacceptable.

Thanks again.

[Justiceguy]

I guess you missed the part where the Curacao judge deemed there was not enough evidence to even establish that a violent crime had taken place in the Natalee Holloway disappearance, let alone enough evidence of murder.


Thanks for the update. Yes, I missed that part, quite honestly, since I haven't been following this case every day.

I just wondered how a judge can have a ruling at this point in the investigation... and what the legal status of the 3 suspects are from this point on. In my opinion, Natalee is OBVIOUSLY missing or dead, most likely dead, and the stories of the 3 suspects don't make any sense.

So, I guess my confusion comes from the need to put all this stuff before a judge in Aruba at all.... seem premature to have ANY court proceeding when the suspects are only "under investigation"...why would there need to be a court procedure? That's what really gets me upset.

I agree, this is turning into a cold case, as someone else who posted here knows so well, after 24 years in THEIR case... Be Natalee's case is still a murder investigation or at the very least, a missing person's investigation.

My final question: can any suspect or suspects be LATER CHARGED with her murder, and tried and convicted... or is it all over because of what the judge has now done under Dutch/Aruba laws?

[SavannahStar]

My final question: can any suspect or suspects be LATER CHARGED with her murder, and tried and convicted... or is it all over because of what the judge has now done under Dutch/Aruba laws?

Yes, the suspects or anyone else can be later charged, tried and convicted IF compelling evidence is ever discovered that she in fact has been murdered.

[Details]

Thanks for the update. Yes, I missed that part, quite honestly, since I haven't been following this case every day.

I just wondered how a judge can have a ruling at this point in the investigation... and what the legal status of the 3 suspects are from this point on. In my opinion, Natalee is OBVIOUSLY missing or dead, most likely dead, and the stories of the 3 suspects don't make any sense.

So, I guess my confusion comes from the need to put all this stuff before a judge in Aruba at all.... seem premature to have ANY court proceeding when the suspects are only "under investigation"...why would there need to be a court procedure? That's what really gets me upset.

I agree, this is turning into a cold case, as someone else who posted here knows so well, after 24 years in THEIR case... Be Natalee's case is still a murder investigation or at the very least, a missing person's investigation.

My final question: can any suspect or suspects be LATER CHARGED with her murder, and tried and convicted... or is it all over because of what the judge has now done under Dutch/Aruba laws?The judges ruling was earlier - he's not ruling on the case as a whole, and the case is not closed, if evidence turns up, then charges can be filed. All that is closing is the current investigation - the case is going cold - which is pretty much an acknowledgement of fact. But - any evidence and reopen it, any suspect at all can be charged later with Natalee's murder or any other crime the evidence supports in this case. No doors have been closed.


The judge's ruling was not about this decision to not charge any of the suspects. It was from the prosecutor trying to continue holding the two brothers in jail, Joran in jail - the judge ruled that the prosecutor could not continue to do so, he appealed, and that lead to the higher court saying that no, he could not continue to hold them, as there was no evidence even that a crime had taken place, much less that these two brothers had had any part in it. That's what was at court.


In my opinion - Natalee is probably dead - but there's no evidence she was murdered, and without evidence, it's only right to free these 3 guys from suspect status. They told one lie - said that they dropped her at the hotel. When they finally got shaken loose from that lie, they've said the same thing since - they went to the beach, she wanted to stay, they left. Someone could have killed her, she could have gone for a swim and drown, there's just no evidence to say. So, while Aruban courts can accept her as dead just because she's been missing so long (as Mos quite strongly pointed out), saying that her death was the result of violence - that's what is not proven to any degree.

[SavannahStar]

Very well stated, Details. :zm10:

[Justiceguy]

Yes, the suspects or anyone else can be later charged, tried and convicted IF compelling evidence is ever discovered that she in fact has been murdered.

Well good!

There are so many of these unsolved mysteries, and so many botched investigations. I see this investigation as a totally botched job from the beginning. I also wonder what, if anything, Aruba will do from this point forward. The most likely scenario is that her body was somehow dumped in the ocean... off a boat, perhaps, or she died from drugs/alcohol ingested that evening, and her body was disposed of in the ocean (from a boat?) that night or soon thereafter. I bet the authorities were hoping one of the 3 young guys would break and reveal something... or that someone told someone something in the last 2 years....physical evidence, whatever there may have been, is gone for good now, I imagine.

[Cat]

I am happy this has happened. It's about time. In the US, they never would have been jailed.

[Details]

If her body is found, some physical evidence will remain. Any broken bones, potentially even bruises can be found. If she's deep enough in the water, much tissue will remain, might be able to show a cause of death, maybe even be able to run some tests for drugs (date rape and otherwise). Maybe some information on the clothing, or maybe even something with her - for instance - if Joran's missing shoe is beside her - or if someone else's shoes are with her.

At the very least, the body will exclude some causes of death, and where it is found will also tell a piece of the story.

Personally - I don't see this one as botched, I think it was done right - but there's just no evidence to work with, and making something out of nothing is not the type of imagination we want our police to have.

[SavannahStar]

I don't see it as botched either.

But that's one of those things that, if repeated often enough, many people fall into the trap of believing it.

[Luke Davis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2DwijamxtA

[Justiceguy]

People have probably all seen this interesting analysis on the TV interview with Joran V.

It's a pretty intense analysis and has a link to the entire TV interview. Watching that, before and after reading the analysis, might give you some insight into this Joran guy.

http://eyesforlies.blogspot.com/2006/02/joran-van-der-sloot-honest-or-not.html

Joran van der Sloot: Honest or not?

[Details]

Heard some postings on CTV that say that maybe the case is not closed, new evidence on Thurs - not sure how accurate it is - but interesting if so. Wonder if it's real.

[chambord]

Heard some postings on CTV that say that maybe the case is not closed, new evidence on Thurs - not sure how accurate it is - but interesting if so. Wonder if it's real.

I won't hold my breath. This case has been so mishandled from the gitgo. too many had agendas, from the original prosecutor KJ, to the current, and everyone in between.

moo

[TobyTiger]

Heard some postings on CTV that say that maybe the case is not closed, new evidence on Thurs - not sure how accurate it is - but interesting if so. Wonder if it's real.

It appears the new evidence were online chat sessions between the three suspects.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g03xmlbMM0BjGFGrLokyvroCO6FwD8TK4AHO0

"The three main suspects in the case were re-arrested last month after prosecutors in Aruba discovered online chat sessions they hoped would break the case open. But none of the men talked in custody, and without the 18-year-old's body, prosecutors said they had no recourse but to close the most notorious missing persons case in the Caribbean."

[Luke Davis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTp02sdG64

[concerto]

Aruba Investigation Into Disappearance of American Teen Natalee Holloway Is Not Over

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Aruban officials have not closed their investigation into the disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway, FOX News learned Tuesday.

The media liason for the public prosecutor in Aruba dismissed an earlier report that the investigation was over. A press conference scheduled for Thursday will reveal new evidence against three young men last seen with the Alabama teen.

The investigation is in a new phase with detectives reviewing new evidence, the media liason told FOX News.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,317293,00.html


How accurate is this?

[TobyTiger]

Wish they'd make up their minds...

:missing:

[Luke Davis]

Wish they'd make up their minds...

:missing:
As far as I can tell, FOX is the only one reporting this. CNN is sticking by the earlier story as is Associated Press. I think someone in the press is confused.

[TobyTiger]

As far as I can tell, FOX is the only one reporting this. CNN is sticking by the earlier story as is Associated Press. I think someone in the press is confused.

I have the same impression, having scoured several media outlets. There doesn't appear to be any other "new evidence" mentioned except for the transcripts of online chat sessions.

:0009:

[Chocoholic]

I won't hold my breath. This case has been so mishandled from the gitgo. too many had agendas, from the original prosecutor KJ, to the current, and everyone in between.

moo

If this case had been allowed to have been handled without interference of the US media who held their own investigation with the family perhaps there might have been more information.

There is a reason that LE (not just in Aruba but also in the US) keeps information about an investigation secret. The only thing I can blame ALE for is that they didn't learn early enough to say "no comment" and ignore the media and throw anybody into jail who interfered with the only legal investigation.

[Febbie]

Wish they'd make up their minds...

:missing:

Just watched on CNN this morning and they announced the case was closed, but could be reopened if evidence warrent it. Depending on Murder or Homicide, it goes for 12 yrs or 6 yrs. The ones they were holding could go on with their lives. That the evidence that they had, may not be strong enough to keep them from walking. They are going to talk to the media and explain what evidence they have. ( Before the end of the month.)

Part that hurt me, they could go on with their lives....but she can't.:shock:

[Luke Davis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTUWopyVkLU

[Chocoholic]

Just watched on CNN this morning and they announced the case was closed, but could be reopened if evidence warrent it. Depending on Murder or Homicide, it goes for 12 yrs or 6 yrs. The ones they were holding could go on with their lives. That the evidence that they had, may not be strong enough to keep them from walking. They are going to talk to the media and explain what evidence they have. ( Before the end of the month.)

Part that hurt me, they could go on with their lives....but she can't.:shock:

There is no evidence that any harm came to Natalee according to the documents presented to the court. I would think that there might be hope that somehow she was able to get off the island alive and move on with her own life, if that is what she wished to do.

There is some indication that that was her wish. I truly hope that she is alive and happy.

[RoseNylund]

I feel so badly for her family. It's a sad, sad day for them, I'm sure. When I watch shows like Cold Case, it gives me hope. I know it's just a TV show, but it gives me hope that maybe someday, someone will come forward with new information about this case. I know, wishful thinking and all that, but I still hope for resolution for the family.

[TobyTiger]

I feel so badly for her family. It's a sad, sad day for them, I'm sure. When I watch shows like Cold Case, it gives me hope. I know it's just a TV show, but it gives me hope that maybe someday, someone will come forward with new information about this case. I know, wishful thinking and all that, but I still hope for resolution for the family.
There is another program, on A&E, entitled "Cold Case Files" which is NOT fiction. Hopefully Natalee will be profiled one day on it...when there is a resolution.

[TobyTiger]

Just watched on CNN this morning and they announced the case was closed, but could be reopened if evidence warrent it. Depending on Murder or Homicide, it goes for 12 yrs or 6 yrs. The ones they were holding could go on with their lives. That the evidence that they had, may not be strong enough to keep them from walking. They are going to talk to the media and explain what evidence they have. ( Before the end of the month.)

Part that hurt me, they could go on with their lives....but she can't.:shock:

The problem is the prosecution only gets one chance at trial. If there is an acquittal, that is it. At this time, there is no evidence of murder or manslaughter, only the fact that Natalee was last seen with Joran and the Kalpoe brothers. God help us if our justice system becomes such that those are grounds for a conviction and one of us happens to have the misfortune of being the last known person to be with someone who vanishes.

[Febbie]

The problem is the prosecution only gets one chance at trial. If there is an acquittal, that is it. At this time, there is no evidence of murder or manslaughter, only the fact that Natalee was last seen with Joran and the Kalpoe brothers. God help us if our justice system becomes such that those are grounds for a conviction and one of us happens to have the misfortune of being the last known person to be with someone who vanishes.

I understand that, but here in the USA, we can go back and open up cases if it is 30 years(depending), there they have a set time limit 6-12, and then nothing can be done.
I was hoping that this time they had enough to take it to trial.

[FDInLaw]

Just read the news on Yahoo. . . prayers for Natalee's loved ones! :1222423:

May they have strength to continue on, and may their search not be in vain. Praying that Natalee will be found soon! :1222423:


:(

[Chocoholic]

I understand that, but here in the USA, we can go back and open up cases if it is 30 years(depending), there they have a set time limit 6-12, and then nothing can be done.
I was hoping that this time they had enough to take it to trial.

That's because an official suspect has a right to a speedy trial, that would be from the moment they're picked up for interrogation to the moment the case goes to trial, which is reasonably considered to be 2 years.

During those 2 years it is considered reasonable that the case has been thoroughly investigated and the prosecution better lay charges or set the detainee free.

Considering the 48 hrs that US LE is given - from the point of arrest to the point of laying charges - this is quite reasonable, don't you?

[Chocoholic]

Just read the news on Yahoo. . . prayers for Natalee's loved ones! :1222423:

May they have strength to continue on, and may their search not be in vain. Praying that Natalee will be found soon! :1222423:


:(

Don't you find it ironic that Joran wishes for Natalee to be found also? He has said so several times.

[PriscillaP]

Just read the news on Yahoo. . . prayers for Natalee's loved ones! :1222423:

May they have strength to continue on, and may their search not be in vain. Praying that Natalee will be found soon! :1222423:


:(

:1222423: Prayers for Natalee's family. :1222423:

[Luke Davis]

ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AP) - A suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway never mentioned her death in an online chat, his lawyer said Friday, contradicting Aruban prosecutors who called the comment key new evidence in the case.
The chat log fell far short of justifying the arrest of Deepak Kalpoe, one of three men seen
with the American teen the night of her disappearance, said attorney Ronald Wix.
A court in the Dutch Caribbean island agreed and quickly released Kalpoe, along with brother Satish and a third suspect, Joran van der Sloot. Now, authorities should leave the three men alone, Wix told reporters.

World News (http://www.pr-inside.com/aruban-defense-attorneys-dispute-alleged-r360111.htm)

[TobyTiger]

Don't you find it ironic that Joran wishes for Natalee to be found also? He has said so several times.
Actually not ironic at all if he had nothing to do with her disappearance or death.

[Chocoholic]

Actually not ironic at all if he had nothing to do with her disappearance or death.

Precisely.

[Jenn]

Either way, if it's closed or not I hope that her family can one day get some answers. I don't believe this is the last we'll hear from this case.

[Chocoholic]

Either way, if it's closed or not I hope that her family can one day get some answers. I don't believe this is the last we'll hear from this case.

I don't think it's just Natalee's family that would like some answers. All of the previous suspects would like some answers as well.

[TobyTiger]

I don't think it's just Natalee's family that would like some answers. All of the previous suspects would like some answers as well.

I'm sure they would...and for their names to be cleared.

[RiverWalk]

The NH Thread @ CTV is the most vile/hateful board I've ever seen in all my years on MB.

FWIW: Since "some" are calling Beth/Matt liars about contacting the US Embassy in DC:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

Emergency Assistance to American Citizens Abroad
How to Contact Us

OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES: Call 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444) for answers related to questions concerning the:
Death or Injury of an American citizen abroad
Arrest/detention of an American citizen abroad
Victims of crime abroad
American citizens missing abroad
Abduction of a child abroad
Crisis abroad involving American citizens

NOTE: 202 is a WASHINGTON DC area code.

AND:

"American Citizens Missing Abroad:
As concerned relatives call in, Consular officers use the information provided by the family or friends of a missing person to locate the individual. We check with local authorities in the foreign country to see if there is any report of a U.S. citizen hospitalized, arrested, or is otherwise unable to communicate with those looking for them. Depending on the circumstances, consular officers may personally search hotels, airports, hospitals, or even prisons.

Privacy Act - The provisions of the Privacy Act are designed to protect the privacy and rights of Americans, but occasionally they complicate our efforts to assist citizens abroad. As a rule, consular officers may not reveal information regarding an individual Americans location, welfare, intentions, or problems to anyone, including family members and Congressional representatives, without the expressed consent of that individual. Although sympathetic to the distress this can cause concerned families, consular officers must comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_3881.html

----------------

All of the ABOVE is from the US Dept. of STATE Bureau of Consular Affairs

OUT of here. ICK.

[Luke Davis]

The NH Thread @ CTV is the most vile/hateful board I've ever seen in all my years on MB.

FWIW: Since "some" are calling Beth/Matt liars about contacting the US Embassy in DC:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

Emergency Assistance to American Citizens Abroad
How to Contact Us

OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES: Call 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444) for answers related to questions concerning the:
Death or Injury of an American citizen abroad
Arrest/detention of an American citizen abroad
Victims of crime abroad
American citizens missing abroad
Abduction of a child abroad
Crisis abroad involving American citizens

NOTE: 202 is a WASHINGTON DC area code.

AND:

"American Citizens Missing Abroad:
As concerned relatives call in, Consular officers use the information provided by the family or friends of a missing person to locate the individual. We check with local authorities in the foreign country to see if there is any report of a U.S. citizen hospitalized, arrested, or is otherwise unable to communicate with those looking for them. Depending on the circumstances, consular officers may personally search hotels, airports, hospitals, or even prisons.

Privacy Act - The provisions of the Privacy Act are designed to protect the privacy and rights of Americans, but occasionally they complicate our efforts to assist citizens abroad. As a rule, consular officers may not reveal information regarding an individual Americans location, welfare, intentions, or problems to anyone, including family members and Congressional representatives, without the expressed consent of that individual. Although sympathetic to the distress this can cause concerned families, consular officers must comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_3881.html

----------------

All of the ABOVE is from the US Dept. of STATE Bureau of Consular Affairs

OUT of here. ICK.

Are you indicating the Department of State is the same as US Embassy?

From your post it says they wouldn't tell where Natalee is if they found her without her permission. I think that is what some people have been saying. Natalee could have been found by the FBI and they would have maintained the status on their Internet site.


IMO

[RiverWalk]

YES. US Embassy (Consular Affairs) is under the Dept. of STATE. Just google "US Embassy". Aren't you the link queen for everything NH? Not being snarky, but you link everything, but didn't know about the US Embassy and what Dept. it is under? K.

NO, for the second part of your ? because NH disappeared/went poof. I.E. .... "As a rule, consular officers may not reveal information regarding an individual Americans location, welfare, intentions, or problems to anyone, including family members and Congressional representatives, without the expressed consent of that individual." She never gave nor forbid consent as a citizen of Alabama/US of A.

I knew the # to call (consular=Embassy while abroad in DC) when I was in S. Africa. A new acquaintance disappeared for 2 days. I called the 202 # and reported that ADULT as missing in Africa after few hours. All heck broke loose. She was found later and it was awful and sad, but she was alive. All she did was go to the bathroom/WC and went poof. She was taken out the back door as the rest of us sat at the restaurant wondering what was taking her so long. The rest isn't pretty and I'm not going to go into it. She's alive and returned home (later to the US) to her family.

imo.

[Luke Davis]

I have a complete list of US Embassies and can not find one in DC. Personally, I don't think making a mistake like that is a big problem. But it is proof that there may be errors in Loving Natalee.

Perhaps it was Beth, her co-author or a proofreader who made an error. As with other things, it may have been something someone told Beth. It just goes to the credibility and reliability of what Beth says and means.

The difference here, is Beth has had over two years to think about it and likely is under less stress than in the early days. So it appears to me, that she and others probably called the State Department and called it the US Embassy.

This only becomes a concern when people take each word spoken by a witness and disect it. Especially, when the words have been translated.

There are many things which have been said by everyone involved that leads me to have very little trust in anyone. I am frequently amazed by people who completely trust someone almost to the point of worshiping them.

IMO

[RiverWalk]

NO error. Call: 202-501-4444. The US Consular. Try it!

YOU worship your links. YOU worship the things that you've never done and have no clue about, yet post about. YOU have worshipped ... imo.

Are you denying that the US Embassy is not under the US State Dept.???? lmao. EXACTLY what Dept. is the US Embassy under? Anyone out there? Google US Embassy and SEE what comes up and follow the link. GAWD. Pitiful since you are the link Queen. lmao.

[Luke Davis]

Sorry I can't find it.

US Embassy List (http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/American_Embassies/US_Embassies.html)

O/T I do love the River Walk!

[Luke Davis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmEh8PFxk-M

[SavannahStar]

I have a complete list of US Embassies and can not find one in DC. Personally, I don't think making a mistake like that is a big problem. But it is proof that there may be errors in Loving Natalee.

Perhaps it was Beth, her co-author or a proofreader who made an error. As with other things, it may have been something someone told Beth. It just goes to the credibility and reliability of what Beth says and means.

The difference here, is Beth has had over two years to think about it and likely is under less stress than in the early days. So it appears to me, that she and others probably called the State Department and called it the US Embassy.

This only becomes a concern when people take each word spoken by a witness and disect it. Especially, when the words have been translated.

There are many things which have been said by everyone involved that leads me to have very little trust in anyone. I am frequently amazed by people who completely trust someone almost to the point of worshiping them.

IMO

It's also quite possible she didn't make any phone call at all to Washington, DC while she was on the road. But it sure makes things very dramatic sounding, n'est pas? :grin:

[TobyTiger]

It's also quite possible she didn't make any phone call at all to Washington, DC while she was on the road. But it sure makes things very dramatic sounding, n'est pas? :grin:

Agree...DRAMA.