I agree. That interview with the parents has left me cold.
I feel badly for them, but remain suspicious. I hate to think any parent would not be completely forthcoming in a matter this dreadfully serious.
About the VDS mother: I honestly think she's clueless about what happened while she was in Holland. It looks like Paulus (sp?) has her completely snowed. Stop and think about this for a minute. Most young men idealize their mother (whether they admit to it or not), and it was obvious that Joran loves his mother after hearing her descriptions of Joran's demeanor during her jail visits.
Joran calls his Daddy for help after-the-fact, and both agree to not tell the Mother because it would break her heart. Plus, she wouldn't be able to lie convincingly about it like Papa can.
I'm sure Joran loves his mother, just like any young man. He probably pleaded with Paulus, "Don't tell Mama, please... don't tell her..."
And yeah, these parents' denial of their son's behavior patterns is just appalling. I wonder if they've ever looked at his websites? I just can't imagine letting my 17-yr old son run wild like that.