What I meant by "trivial" in my above comment is that VDS may just have innocently taken Natalee to a party for her last night with him. Bad people there might have forced her away, or drugged her, or something...and threatened VDS if he said anything. I am not excusing him, but the possibility of him getting into a pit of vipers unknowingly could exist. A cartel of drug operations or sex traffickers could have a very strong, frightening impact on a teen who just might have been a dumb kid in this situation. Just a thought. I am not exonerating anyone, only considering other possibilities.
I doubt it. He seems to know people in the wrong circles. Besides, those from Natalee's trip that were with her when they left CnC said she had not planned to go anywhere, just back to the hotel.