Duct Tape, Hair Examined in Aruba Investigation

A piece of duct tape with long blonde hair stuck to it, found on a beach in Aruba, has been sent to Holland for DNA analysis in the investigation into the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, as the teams searching for the missing teen have dwindled down to a handful of volunteers.

The discovery of the duct tape over the weekend could be the first physical evidence that "something bad" happened to the Alabama honors student, missing since May 30, or it could turn out to be another frustrating dead end for her grieving family.

If DNA analysis of the hair found on the tape turns out to be Natalee's it would be the first physical evidence found on the Caribbean island of the missing 18-year-old, and possibly the first evidence that a crime has been committed.

The discovery of the duct tape came on the heels of a report that a corroded barrel recovered from the ocean by volunteer divers was not connected to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Divers pulled it out of the water near the hotel where the missing Alabama teenager stayed during a trip to the island with members of her senior class.

Back to the Beach

Meanwhile, Aruban authorities Saturday again took detained suspect Joran Van Der Sloot to the beach where he said he took Holloway on the night she disappeared. It was the second time investigators have taken the 17-year-old Dutch teen to the scene.

Typically, Aruban authorities would not disclose the reason they returned to the beach with Van Der Sloot, except to say it was "part of the investigation."

See Also:
DNA Tests Slated for Hair Found in Aruba
Teen Walks Site Where Holloway Last Seen
Barrel Found In Ocean Not Linked To Holloway Disappearance
Hope Fading in Search for Teen in Aruba

Background:
Van Der Sloot to Remain in Jail in Aruba Case
Search for Natalee Holloway Winding Down
Aruba Prosecutor to Appeal Kalpoe Brothers' Release
Natalee's Mom: Don't Let Kalpoe Brothers Leave
Kalpoe Brothers Freed in Holloway Case
Aruba Suspects Face Key Court Hearing
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

Forum:
Discuss This Case