I still think that Natalee is no where on the island.
1. Joran gambles for big $$$ and loses big. He owes somebody alot of money.
2. He agrees to deliver a blonde teenager to the beach in exchange for canceling the debt. [Note: Joran paid no attention to Natalee at the casino, but only later did he suddenly become interested]
3. Natalee is drugged or intoxicated and goes to the beach with Joran and the Kalpoes.
4. Someone is waiting for her and she is whisked off to a boat to Venezuela, the Middle East or somewhere else as a sex slave.
....
You've been reading too many Grisham novels.
There's no way a 17 year old gets involved with the mob and the international sex trade. He's a poser that gambles, gets drunk, and gets high with daddy's money. He's the guy in locker room that is all talk about his "conquests". He looks the the typical suburban teenager trying to act tough. He's all show and no go.
Having said that, Natalee is probably dead and he probably knows why.
Most of us are in agreement with that statement, and have been since day one.
OTOH, Beth wants the search to continue, and that's what is being done. We brainstorm to try and help out, in our own small way.
But there will be a day when the search efforts cease, and we know that as well.
sw
Actually, I hate Grisham novels. But I have been watching Deadwood, so maybe that has influenced my thinking.
In my defense, white slavery is rampant around the world, particularly in Eastern Europe. Yes, it is probably a stretch to assume that it has encroached into El Caribe - but how hard would it be?
If I had to bet my own money, I would go with the possibility that either she died "accidentally" [meaning date rape drug, etc., which wasn't the intent of the perp] or was murdered [either in a rage or ... for thrills]. She likely was buried and, when released, dug up the body and had it tied up and thrown into the ocean.
It will be interesting to hear if the duct tape with human hair on it belongs it Natalee.