[Steel Wolf]

I swear I heard on the news a couple of hours ago that there were negotiations going on and things were looking as if they would be resolved. What changed?

What likely 'changed' is this:

After filming the video, they beheaded the Korean, took some pictures, and disposed of the body. Then, they moved safehouses and distanced themselves from the crime, while other agents made contact with the media, and 'negotiated' as a diversion.

Now that enough time has elapses, and the killers are long gone, they can drop the charade about 'extended deadlines' and admit that the hostage is dead.

They may be murderous thugs, but they're not stupid.

[mystery-ak]

I think you nailed it....negotiations were a sham.

[babaloo]

I think you are absolutely correct-negotiations were a ruse to escape. Could these people be any more vile? I pray for the other hostages.

[sarasota]

And don't forget the part about waiting until "the check has cleared". They've had time for that as well.