Helicopter Searches Aruba, Police Search Teen's Home

In the relative cool of the Aruban night, a helicopter equipped with heat-detecting technology searched parts of the island looking for signs of Natalee Holloway, who disappeared May 30 the day her senior class group was scheduled to return to Alabama.

Also on Wednesday, police searched the home of Joran Van Der Sloot, the 17-year-old who was one of the last known people to see Natalee. They searched the grounds and inside the attached apartment in which he lives at his parents' home.

Authorities seized two vehicles, believed to be those of his parents, at the home. Van Der Sloot's mother is a teacher and his father is a high-ranking justice ministry official, who is scheduled to become a judge.

Speculation was also raised Wednesday that Natalee may have been the victim of a date rape drug. Friends who saw her leave the nightclub that night said she had been drinking, but was hardly intoxicated. However, the Kalpoe brothers reportedly told authorities that she appeared extremely drunk.

Police Tracked Three Students

New information concerning the three suspects -- Van Der Sloot, Satish Kalpoe, 18, and Deepak Kalpoe, 21 -- has been reported. The three were questioned immediately after Natalee disappeared and were released, a move that has since be criticized by Holloway's family.

But recent reports say police placed tracking devices on the three students' vehicles and tapped their cell phones in hopes it might lead authorities to Natalee, if she was being held somewhere against her will.

The three originally told police they dropped Natalee off at the Holiday Inn the night she disappeared, but since they have been detained and separated, all three have changed their stories.

The two Kalpoe brothers are saying that they dropped off Natalee and Van Der Sloot in an area near the Marriott. Van Der Sloot said the others dropped him off at home and then took Natalee back to the Holiday Inn.

Meanwhile, Natalee's family and friends still have no idea as to what happened to the Alabama honor student.

See Also:
Aruba Cops Search Dutch Suspect's Home
Disappearance Cautionary Tale for Parents
Critics: News Coverage of Missing People Biased

Background:
New Search Launched for Natalee Holloway
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

Forum:
Discuss This Case