New Search Launched for Natalee Holloway

Dozens of police officers launched a new search today in Aruba for clues in the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway in a brushy between the Marriott Inn and the beach that is known locally as a lover's-lane area.

News reports said a young volunteer searcher reported to police that he found a pair of panties, used condoms, a string that appeared to come from a bikini top, pieces of duct tape and condom packages near a small pond in the area.

Update: At approximately 7 p.m. equipment was removed from the area and the search ended. News reports said nothing of significance was found.

The area became the focus of the search after a security guard released from jail yesterday told police one of the three students still being detained in the case told him that Natalee and Joran Van Der Sloot were dropped off in that area the night she disappeared.

Security Guard Alerts Police

Former security guard Antonius "Mickey" John was held in a cell next to 21-year-old Deepak Kalpoe, one of the three men who gave Natalee a ride from the nightclub May 30. John told police that Kalpoe said he and his brother Satish dropped Natalee and Van Der Sloot off near the area now being searched.

Police have blocked off a three-block area near the Marriott. A search dog was seen being lead into the area. Police brought pumping equipment in an apparent effort to drain the small pond in the area.

No official searches have been conducted by police in more than a week in the case. Only volunteers have been searching for the honor student in the past week until the new developments in the case today.

See Also:
Aruban Police Find Nothing in New Search
Aruban Police Launch New Search for Teen

Background:
Security Guards Released in Natalee Holloway Case
Natalee Holloway's Family Clings to Hope
Confusion Reigns in Natalee Holloway Case
Three More Arrested in Natalee Holloway Case
Security Guards Detained in Natalee Holloway Case
Alabama Teen Disappears on Senior Aruba Trip

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