Five years ago, Natalie Holloway disappeared in Aruba while celebrating her high school graduation. Her body was never found, and three young men were charged in her disappearance. One of the young men, Joran van der Sloot, had the type of connection that actually helps in situations like this: his father was a judge in Aruba. None of the three men were tried in the case, and Natalie's fate was never determined, and no punishment was admonished.
Five years later to the day of her disappearance, van der Sloot was arrested in the murder of a 21-year-old woman in Peru. This time, he confessed to killing her (perhaps the confession was in part because his father had since passed away and could not bail him out this time), and detailed the events leading up to the woman's death.
What's worst about van der Sloot's actions is his apparent lack of remorse for anything. His explanation for his murder of the young woman was that she had grabbed his laptop and discovered his involvement in the disappearance of Holloway, and that she had in essence, "invaded [his] private life." He lashed out to hide the truth of his history with Holloway, and ended up killing a second woman.
Now there is a possibility that the quotes from the local newspapers are taken out of context somewhat, and the statements were designed by his lawyers to simply relay the facts. He was also quoted as saying he "did not want to do it." He implied that he was angry that the victim discovered something about his past that he didn't want her to, and reacted in rage.
Personally, I think his admission shows no sign of remorse or compassion.
No quote from van der Sloot said or implied anything resembling an apology to either Holloway's family or his second victim's family. He still has yet to confess anything regarding Holloway's disappearance or fate. His confession even seemed to imply his victim was at fault for her death and that he was justified for what he did. Any confession regarding Holloway's fate would likely be as empty as his confession today, but Holloway's family deserves the truth.
van der Sloot is the latest example of a murderer who can only be punished once for his crime while inflicting pain and suffering on numerous victims and their families. I hope that Holloway's family can at least take a small amount of solace knowing their daughter's killer has been arrested and will face punishment, but that certainly won't bring back their daughter.
If it were up to me, van der Sloot's confession would only result in speeding up the legal process. His punishment for murdering two young women and showing no remorse would be as severe as if he hadn't admitted anything to begin with. I would prefer to see him fry, but that would be an ever so brief form of punishment before his heart stops. Either way, I do hope justice is ultimately served, and I hope the families of both victims are able find some form of comfort.
No comments:
Post a Comment