Aruba Suspects Face Key Court Hearing

On the eve of a court hearing that could detain them for another 60 days, the three suspects in the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway were taken separately to a beach north of the Marriott hotel to check inconsistencies in their stories.

"Investigators wanted to make sure that their stories matched," government Ruben Trapenberg said. Deepak Kalpoe, 21; his brother, Satish, 18; and their friend Joran Van Der Sloot, 17 were taken to the beach in separate sessions between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

All three suspects were interrogated throughout the day by prosecutors preparing for a court hearing today at which a judge will determine if the three can be held for another 60 days while more evidence is obtained.

Key Hearing Today

All three have faced two prior hearings when a judge ruled that they could be held for eight additional days. Under Aruban law, the hearing tomorrow differs from the previous ones in several ways:

• The period of detention requested by prosecutors will be 60 days, instead of eight days.

• If the judge grants the additional detention, attorneys for the suspects can appeal the decision to a three-judge panel.

• If the suspects are detained, for the first time defense attorneys will be allowed to see all of the evidence the government has against their clients.

Whether or not prosecutors have enough evidence to continue to hold the suspects is a matter of great speculation. On one hand, prosecutors say they do not have any evidence that suggests that Natalee Holloway is dead.

However, on the other hand they have said they do have forensic evidence in the case, possibly referring to the exchange of text messages and email between the suspects on May 30 and in the days following Natalee's disappearance.

See Also:
Aruba Suspects Escorted to Beach
Missing Teen's Mom Puts Pressure on Aruba
Natalee Holloway, Others Prompt Creation Of Whitewomeninperil.com

Background:
Only Three Suspects Held in Aruba Investigation
Aruban Authorities Confirm Murder Suspicions
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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