Arlene Ellis Schipper discusses the Natalee Holloway case; “There is movement. There are—there’s 12,000 pages of documents that they have reviewed”

Last night on Rita Cosby’s ‘Live & Direct’ November 16, 2005; Arlene Ellis Schipper discussed the rampant rumors of Natalee Holloway and the “action” that is taking place in the investigation. I have always appreciated Arlene’s blunt and honest approach to answering questions. Talking with her personally she never sugar coated anything. However, I really must consider the source when she makes comments now regarding the Natalee Holloway investigation as she is a part of the Aruban Strategic Communication Task Force.

The cruel rumors spread over Aruba yesterday that Natalee was found alive in Mexico passed through the resort island with more believability than the fact that the last three individuals seen with Natalee actually had something to do with her disappearance. Which is truly sad as Arlene said the following:

Well, I’ve heard the rumor, as well. However, nothing has been confirmed.

Rumors like this spread because we eat, live and breathe this case. We take it so seriously, unlike people, for instance, who think that we take it—I’ve heard many allegation of, for instance, the governor of Alabama, to think, to say that we don’t take this seriously…

I’ve heard many allegation of, for instance, the governor of Alabama, to think, to say that we don’t take this seriously. I mean, there has hardly been a case in Aruba that has been taken this seriously. So that’s why these rumors are picked up because we hope so much for a resolution.

Here is where I begin to wonder why Arlene Ellis Schipper is interviewed by these shows anymore. I think at this point in the investigation, with all this time that has gone by, all the errors by the investigators where many wonder if they ever took it seriously comes Arlene’s comments. She is now a part of the Aruban Strategic Task Force who’s sole job is to save the tourism on Aruba at any cost. Arlene went from a lawyer and private Aruban citizen who gave legal comments on these shows to an advocate and lobbyist for Aruban tourism. How can anyone think that there is objectivity in the comments? If there isn’t then she is hardly doing her job for the Strategic Task Force.

The attitude of many including the Holloway and Twitty family at this point can best be described by Rita’s guest Vito Colucci.

Most of the seasoned investigators that have been on these programs have said from the beginning this has been a flawed investigation. There was a handful, when the three of them were released for that 10-day period, Rita, that said it was great police work. They were going to monitor them. Baloney! They’ve never done these types of cases. They don’t know how to do them, Rita. That’s the bottom line. And I don’t trust them, as number two. Very simple.

However, somehow we are to believe that the case goes forward and it is not window dressing for appearance sake looking into the teeth of a boycott as Arlene states:

Well, I can tell you, Rita, this investigation is very much alive, and it has been all this time. The adding of a few new members to the investigation team is not something new. It has been gone on quite—every time because every time, they’re adding fresh eyes to this investigation.

No, no. There is movement. There are—there’s 12,000 pages of documents that they have reviewed, and re-heard witnesses and checked out all the tips that they haven’t been able to check out yet because they have gotten so many anonymous tips.

So what have they been waiting for, Christmas? Looks that way. To hear Arlene one would think that the ALE is in over their head and do not have the resources to investigate this situation adequately. Just one more reason to ask for help from the outside, that they refused to do.

Also, the fact still remains … once trust is lost, it doesn’t matter what you do or what you say you are going to do. Maybe that’s the reason why everyone sees Dave Holloway’s comments and reactions these days. He lost his patience because he lost trust in the process.

The rest of the interview:

COSBY: And a rumor is spreading like wildfire on the island of Aruba tonight. People on the streets are buzzing about a rumor that Natalee Holloway may have been found alive and well.

On the phone with us tonight from Aruba is attorney Arlene Ellis Schipper. She’s a member of the island’s Strategic Communications Task Force. Arlene, what can you tell us about this rumor? What have you been hearing?

ARLENE ELLIS SCHIPPER, ARUBAN STRATEGIC COMM. TASK FORCE: Well, I’ve heard the rumor, as well. However, nothing has been confirmed. And actually, I’ve spoken to numerous people that think it might be kind of a loop of information because of another show hinting towards Mrs. Twitty hearing her daughter on the phone. So we think it’s a misinterpretation of information that led to this.

COSBY: We—and in fact, one of—we were hearing the rumors, basically, that Natalee was found alive in Mexico. Of course, at this point, there’s absolutely no proof of this. Is there sort of a sense on Aruba, Arlene, that maybe people are hoping this is true and that the boys have no connection?

SCHIPPER: Well, I—exactly, Rita. You know, the people of Aruba are praying for a result of this case for so long already. We’re so committed to get—you know, to resolve this case and get closure for everyone here. So I guess when someone is hinting this in this show, then the people take this, and you know, it spreads out because—you know, this is the thing that I wanted to say. Rumors like this spread because we eat, live and breathe this case. We take it so seriously, unlike people, for instance, who think that we take it—I’ve heard many allegation of, for instance, the governor of Alabama, to think, to say that we don’t take this seriously. I mean, there has hardly been a case in Aruba that has been taken this seriously. So that’s why these rumors are picked up because we hope so much for a resolution.

COSBY: You know, I want to show a comment because you talked about this conversation. In fact, Beth Twitty did apparently receive a phone call from someone sort of claiming to be Natalee. We talked about it. In fact, we were breaking the story last night when we interviewed Dave Holloway, Natalee’s dad. We asked about this phone call. I want to play a little clip, and then I’m going to ask you, Arlene, about this. So let’s play this clip. This is what Dave told me last night on this show.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVE HOLLOWAY, NATALEE’S FATHER: You’re always grasping for straws. And you know, she was hopeful that that was something—you know, that maybe it could be Natalee. And I listened to it a number of times. And you know, I’ve got children of my own, and they like to pick up cell phones and make calls and all this kind stuff. And I just didn’t buy it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

The rest of the Rita Cosby Transcript