Natalee's Parents Sue Kalpoe Brothers

Two brothers from Aruba, twice arrested in connection with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, filed a lawsuit this week in Los Angeles against talk show host Dr. Phil, opening themselves up to the jurisdiction of the California courts. Natalee's parents, Beth Twitty and Dave Holloway, immediately filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Kalpoes in the same court.

Deepak and Satish Kalpoe filed a defamation suit against Dr. Phil, CBS, Paramount, and others over an interview they claimed "was manipulated and later broadcast by the 'Dr. Phil' show as being accurate and which portrays Deepak Kalpoe and Satish Kalpoe 'as engaging in criminal activity against Natalee Holloway and constitutes defamation per se.'"

When the Kalpoes filed their lawsuit Wednesday, it opened them up to civil jurisdiction of the California courts under a "related case" lawsuit, according to the attorney for Natalee's parents. A day after the Kalpoes filed, the Alabama teen's parents filed against the Kalpoes.

The family's lawsuit claims the Kalpoes caused the death of Natalee Holloway by "intentionally, negligently, wantonly ... unlawfully conducting themselves" to bring about her fatal injuries.

"All we want is justice for our daughter. There is no doubt in my mind that Deepak and Satish played a role in my daughter's death and should be held accountable," Beth Twitty said in a news release. "It is unconscionable that they have not been punished so far."

Search for Justice Frustrated

"Natalee's parents' attempt to get justice in Aruba have been repeatedly frustrated -- which is why we welcome the opportunity to file this civil case in Los Angeles," New York attorney John Q. Kelly, who represents both Beth and Dave Holloway, said. "By filing this wrongful death suit, we hope to capitalize on the Kalpoe's decision to utilize the California courts in a frivolous claim for compensation, and give Natalee's parents the closure they need and deserve."

Natalee was last seen alive with the Kalpoes and Dutch teen, Joran van der Sloot, leaving a nightclub early on the morning of May 30, 2005. The Kalpoes and van der Sloot have all been arrested and questioned in connection with her disappearnce, but later released. No charges have ever been filed in the case.

Last week, the Kalpoes and Van der Sloot asked an Aruban judge to release them as suspects in the case, but the judge refused, leaving them open to be detained and questioned at any time, up until the second anniversary of Natalee's disappearance.

See Also:
Wrongful Death, Defamation Lawsuits Filed in Natalee Holloway Case
Holloway Press Release

Background:
Natalee Holloway: Missing in Aruba

Buy the Book:
Aruba: The Tragic Untold Story of Natalee Holloway and Corruption in Paradise

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