Aruban Authorities Confirm Murder Suspicions

Aruban authorities for the first time provided details concerning the allegations against five men being detained in connection with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, suggesting that they believe the Alabama teen was murdered.

A prosecution spokesperson told reporters Friday that Joran Van Der Sloot, Deepak Kalpoe, and Satist Kalpoe are being held under suspicion of murder and kidnapping and being an accessory to murder. Steve Croes, a local party boat DJ arrested last week, is also being held on those same charges.

Paulus Van Der Sloot, the father of Joran who was detained yesterday in the case, is being held under suspicion of complicity to pre-meditated murder, complicity to kidnapping and murder and kidnapping.

Still Not Charged With a Crime

The announcement marked the first time that Aruban authorities have used the word "murder" in connection with the investigation. Under Aruban law, the five men are being detained under suspicion of those charges, they have not yet been charged with a crime.

Also today, Fox News reported that the FBI team in Aruba had been reduced from seven to three agents. The team was reduced because "there is not much to investigate now that arrests have been made," an anonymous source told Fox.

See Also:
Aruba Authorities Detail Murder Suspicions

Background:
Suspect's Dad Arrested; Joran's Story Changes
More Arrests in Natalee Holloway Case
Helicopter Searches Aruba, Police Search Teen's Home
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

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