I think the girls interviewed were not Nat's friends who weren't on the trip.
That said, I am struck by how Nat is described. They ask if Nat was drunk and the girls don't answwer directly, they say "She was okay". Yet one,can't remember which, says as they were leaving C and C she specifically asked Nat "are you okay" and Nat said "yes" but later it was said Nat didn't say much. so I wonder, was her drink spiked just before she left? Was she sort of stunned looking, silent, the way people who are drugged look. And I wonder if she yelled "aruba aruba" as she left or was it something else. Trying to figure out something she might yell, wanting help, that sounds like aruba aruba.
More and more I think Nat was in an "altered state" when she left C aned C. Not drunk but perhaps drugged on top of alcohol. And her friends noted something wasn't right thus asking her if she was okay. and she sort of passively went along with Joran.
Cajungirl, I agree with your synopsis as to what possibly did occur with Natalee. The GHB was put in her drink either by Joran or one of the bartenders.
Natalee's behavior of a level headed, responsible and intelligent girl went downhill very fast prior to leaving C&C. I think that explains her loss of prudent inhibitions, therefore leaving with Joran(POS).
I myself think her so-called friend(s) could have done more to stop this incident. I would not want friends like these in my life. They seem to have that "Kalifornia Dreamin" mentality. A real friend would have stopped Natalee and intervened. I know it would have caused a scene and Joran would have had a melt down. I would be willingly say, Natalee would still be alive today.
Joran has probably done this sort of thing before(GHB)sex M.O. without the dire consequences. Perps like him play on a girl either, not remembering and thinking it was casual sex, self denial, or they are too embarrassed to report the incident.(It was my fault syndrome).
Have you ever considered a career in southern law enforcement? I think you would do well, and there are some other Freepers on this thread who truly impress me with the analytical minds. NSNR