1. Disappearance
In May 2005, 18-year-old Natalee Holloway went missing during a graduation trip to Aruba.
She was last seen leaving a nightclub with Joran van der Sloot.
2. Investigation
Extensive searches and repeated investigations found no remains,
and Natalee was declared legally dead in 2012.
The case drew major international attention for years.
3. Extortion and Legal Outcomes
In 2010, van der Sloot tried to extort Natalee’s mother by offering information about her location for money, leading to U.S.
federal charges. In 2023, he admitted responsibility for Natalee’s death as part of a plea deal.
Aruba’s 12-year statute of limitations prevents prosecution there.
He is currently serving sentences in Peru and in the U.S.
4. Closure
Natalee’s mother, Beth Holloway, said the confession, though painful,
brought some resolution: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over. Joran van der Sloot… is the killer.”
