An Aruban Mystery Blossoms into a Resource Center

To this blogger, the name Natalee Holloway is nearly a “household name,” synonymous with other unsolved crimes which have gone before her.   We can readily conjure up a mental picture of this bubbly, bright, blonde young woman, “free at last” away from parental influence and on the precipices of adulthood, sipping her island drink. Unfortunately, she was totally unprepared for the local male vultures that make a game of taking advantage of female tourists.

Murderer’s Timeline Within the Past Year (as reported on the NHRC website)

‘Still another “confession” 20 and counting…. Seriously! Former confessions include: -          Joran and his friends dropped her off at her hotel; -          Joran left her on the beach alone; -          Joran sold her to a man in a boat for $10,000; -          A friend disposed of her body after she had a seizure following their sexual encounter; -          Joran dumped her body in a swamp;

July, 2011     No news…is hardly good news!  However, Ladyjustice was able to view previous footage of this Peruvian Jail.  It should be named “Animal House” – such a fitting name for Joran!  He is housed in Lurigancho Prison, which is the worst of the worst,” Michael Griffith, senior partner at the International Legal Defense Counsel, tells AOL News. “They should have a sign above the door there saying, ‘All those who pass this way leave all hope behind.’ “ http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/inside/3144/Photos#tab-Photos/5

Feature Story:  1) According to the U.S. Department of State, 2,500 citizens are arrested abroad each year. Nearly half of the arrests are for very small amounts of narcotics. Alcohol abuse is typically involved; Sexual assaults and robberies occur because students/travelers find themselves in unfamiliar locations.  “Date rape drugs” are not identified often until it is too late… Such travelers cannot protect themselves under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Frequently, they are also unfamiliar with different standards of safety abroad.  Motor vehicle deaths are the second most common causes of death abroad after natural death.

2) Such is the case of Ladyjustice’s friend. Since April 14, 2005, Maxine Russell has dedicated every waking moment to her primary purpose, that of finding the true answers in the horrific treatment and ultimate death of her son Darren, living in China.  Darren was embarking on a new career as a missionary teacher in China.  This so called “traffic accident” has become an international cover up of the greatest proportion, irreparably changing the lives of her entire family, taking its toll physically, emotionally, financially and otherwise!   Please go to the new website created at:   www.russellcase.net (website) and on Twitter at killed_in_China.

3)The Natalee Holloway Resource Center  The Natalee Holloway Resource Center focuses on education, and crime prevention. It is not a “recovery center.”  This is a misnomer, as we survivors of crime know; there is no “recovery”.  There is no “closure”. NHRC shares selected goals similar to other organizations such as the gathering of resources, coordination of a plan to search for the missing and means to contact the media for purposes of public awareness.

The Travel Safe Program includes general and specific safety tips and detailed checklists for domestic and international travel.  Although many of the suggestions may be common sense, many people are not obsessive when it comes to the details of planning a vacation.  With teens in particular, it’s “throw a couple of pairs of shorts in a duffle bag with your bathing suit… and you’re done!    Nothing could be further from the truth when you are travelling to a foreign country.  Just ask Maxine Russell….  She will tell you!

Domestic and International Travel Tips The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation. Look and act confident. Be alert. Act like you know where you are going. Do not look lost or confused; simply look for an authoritative person or company in which you can ask for directions. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Read more at donnagore.com