I don't understand the "sincere confession" in Peruvian law that would give him a lighter sentence than a guilty plea. Given the choice, who would ever plead guilty? I find it difficult to believe this guy could be sincere about anything. Natalee Holloway's mother must be feeling some sort of half-closure from this, but if only she knew what happened to her daughter . . .

The thing is, they probably showed him their evidence--the tape that seems to show him, the young woman, and no one else entering his room. He also was caught with bloody clothes in his bag. He's not an unintelligent young man--he knows he's been snagged this time. There's not a lot he can do to make up a believable lie in this particular case. And from what I'm hearing, cooperation is good for a huge reduction in sentence in Peru, so he's playing the odds. I seriously doubt he'll recant and take a chance of maybe having to spent 35 years in a prison that has been described as one of the worst in the world, and as 'the gates of hell' (35 men housed in a room the size of my living room is frightening--that's not enough room for them all to lie down at once). It's just despicable, though, the ridiculous story he's told--that he walked into the room from getting coffee, found the young woman searching him on the computer, so he had to kill her? Like it's reasonable? And he hasn't explained WHY her pants were off--doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the tale he's telling. The truly terrifying thing is that these murders happened 5 years apart. Are there other young women who have gone missing after meeting him? Perhaps women who weren't lucky enough to meet up with him in a hotel with such good surveillance?

OK. I understand. You were speaking from purely a judicial aspect. Got it. I do think there was a cover-up in the Aruba incident. Wealthy kids often get a pass when they break the law or there is a bribe or a favor to officials. There are "Facebook style" photos of Van der sloot and his "posse" drinking, partying and flashing gang signs on the internet. He was not a "good kid" from a nice family. I'm willing to bet there have been more murders. Serial killers often confess to more unsolved murders after they are caught although this kid seems so pompous I don't think he will confess but there may be evidence from other crimes of missing persons or murders that will point to him as the prime suspect. This would all be moot if he gets sentenced to life in prion in Peru. No use wasting time on other convictions if he is never getting out. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joranvandersloot/37420558/in/photostream/ Here is a link that might be useful: Van Der Sloot Party Pics

I think it'd do other girls a favor if the story stays on the news. I went to Mexico when I graduated from high school. We ditched the chaperones a few times and went to the clubs. There were guys trying to buy us drinks. I didn't know anything about people slipping drugs in drinks at that time. I remember getting a drink and it was so strong that I felt something after a couple of sips. I set it down and didn't drink any more. Most people wouldn't do that. I also went with a group and stayed with the group. I don't think Natalie did that.