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Unfortunately, the Natalee Holloway murder is far from being solved. Based upon the recent video footage released, one would think that the conversations between Joren and his confidant would be enough. It is enough for the entire county to know that he is a callous, self-absorbed Sicko. However, it's simply not enough to convict him. His so called "confession" falls short of a conviction for a number of reasons. First, he is smoking marijuana as he is telling his story. Clearly, any confession obtained by someone who is under the influence is questionable. Next, he never admits to killing her. The only thing that he truly admitted to was failing to render aide or call paramedics and assisting with the disposal of her body. Now, this may be enough to convict him of a crime. But, enough to convict him of murder, I think not...

The video footage of Joren was a start. However, before this information was released, there should have been lots of follow-up by the authorities. Joren was under the impression that the case was over and he was getting away scot free. Anyone involved in Natalee's disappearance would also be aware of this. That would have been the perfect time for the authorities to keep the ace in their back pocket while playing Joren and his accomplice(s) like a deck of cards. But, they showed their hand.

The authoritied should have followed up on the facts within his story that were verifiable. This would have given the specifics he outlined, as to Natalee, more credibility. Specifically, the authorities should have thoroughly checked into the individual named by Joran who disposed of her body. This should have been explored before the tapes were revealed. Someone should have gone through school yearbooks, records, etc. in order to validate and/or locate this individual. He said he had known him since he was five. Surely, there had to be someone close to Joran who would have helped authorities narrow the possibilities. Certainly locating a guy with the same name and having the 20/20 reporter ask him if he had a boat was not what should have been done. Most kids that age do not have boats. But, they do have access to boats and use boats that are owned by other people. They could have checked out leads at docking points for boats in the area. There are so many things that could have been done before the release of the video footage.

At this point, Joran will probably serve some jail time. Unfortunately, the time will not match the crime. I think that we all hope, for Natalee's mother's sake, that the videos were enough. Enough for her to move on even if it was not enough to put Joran away.

Learn more about this author, Melinda Cowan.
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