New Zealand Seems to be Able to Handle Crimes Against Tourists .. Why Can’t or Won’t Aruba?

New Zealand police get it, why can’t or won’t other?

A Dutch newlywed couple on were abducted at gun point in the Bay of Islands by two men. The Dutch tourist couple was forced to withdraw money from ATM’s and the woman was assaulted before the two attackers dumped the couple on the side of a road.

Police say more charges are likely in the case of two men accused of abducting two Dutch tourists in the Bay of Islands.

The men, aged 27 and 29, were arrested on Tuesday night and face joint charges of rape, sexual violation, stupefying and aggravated robbery while armed with a 12-gauge shotgun. (TVNZ)

Kudos to the New Zealand police for carrying out a major operation which resulted in the arrests of a 27 and 29 year old men who attacked the couple. If only it was that way elsewhere when tourists are faced with crimes perpetrated against them.

(Hat Tip: RR)

Bush Twin, Barbara Bush, Has Purse Stolen in Buenos Aires, Argentina

While the Secret Service looked on from a distance, Bush twin Barbara had her purse stolen while dining at a Buenos Aires restaurant. Any reason why the Secret Service was not close enough to capture the thieves?

A pair of thieves removed the purse from under a table while Secret Service agents stood guard at a distance, La Nacion reported. La Nacion said its sources did not reveal which of the Bush daughters had her purse stolen.

CNN cited a law-enforcement source who was briefed on the incident as saying that “at no point were the protectees out of visual contact and at no point was there any risk of harm.” (ABC, the Blotter)

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Daily Commentary – Wednesday November 22nd, 2006

Dana Pretzer in his morning update discusses

• The Melinda Duckett Lawsuit Against CNN and Nancy Grace

Dave Holloway Forges On in Search of Natalee Holloway … A Father’s Determination

As we have learned in so many missing person cases, parents never quit. Their determination for answers to finding their missing loved ones endures. As we have seen in the case of the Holloway’s/Twitty’s, Kesse’s, Smith’s … It is to reason that a families love for their child never ends, so why would their pursuit for answers?

The family name’s change, but the drive to find clues, leads and answers do not. No parent would ever give up hope or the search. Such is the case of Dave Holloway and is unending search to find his daughter, Natalee Holloway.

After the fundraisers ended, after many of the yard signs have been pulled up, after the cable networks have stopped calling for interviews, there remains a father looking for his daughter.

“Some days you think you’re going to finally break the case, and some days you wonder, are we ever going to find out?” said Holloway.

That is still Dave Holloway’s story, a year and a half after his 18-year- old daughter went missing during her senior class trip to Aruba.

The spotlight provided by the MSM may have dimmed; however, that does not mean that searches, leads and investigations cease. The MSM may have gone away; however, in the year 2006 families of missing persons have the benefit of alternative ways to maintain focus and the story. The internet, blogs, web sites and forums provide that alternative to the MSM. When a story falls off the MSM radar, there is still a vehicle. The people who care, the web sleuths who investigate and those that discuss the case, leads and potential evidence and witnesses never abandon families of missing persons. They are there for the long haul for families to get answers.

“I just hope they’re going to be able to find some answers,” Holloway said.

And the searches continue. Two months ago, Natalee’s family sent a cadaver dog to search an Aruban golf course. Just last week, a team searched some government property on the island.

“You get tips or leads or someone says you need to search here, and you cannot just let it pass by,” he said. (WTOK)

Part II from WTOK of “A Father’s Determination”

The Estate of Melinda Duckett Sues Nancy Grace for Wrongful Death

The attorneys that represent the Estate of Melinda Duckett filed a wrongful death law suit against Nancy Grace, CNN and her producers. Melinda Duckett committed suicide the day after a harsh exchange during an interview with TV cable host Nancy Grace.

Attorney Jay Paul Deratany states that Nancy Grace encouraged Melinda Duckett to come on her show to draw attention to the case. Two thing is for certain:

• 1) Shock and today’s ambush journalism in a ratings at all cost has hindered the focus of the disappearance of Trenton Duckett.
• 2) Now that police are stating that Trenton Duckett may still be alive, the case would have been much easier to have dealt with if Melinda Duckett was still alive.

Please note that Jay Paul Deratany, attorney representing the Estate of Melinda Duckett will be a guest of Dana Pretzer on Scared Monkey’s radio Friday, November 24 at 9:00 EDT.

UPDATE: Listen to Dana Pretzer’s commentary regarding The Melinda Duckett Lawsuit Against CNN and Nancy Grace

Read the rest of the law suit filed against Nancy Grace at Missing & Exploited.