The mother of an Alabama teenager who vanished in May apologized Friday for criticizing Aruban authorities’ handling of the investigation, saying she spoke out of fear and frustration following the release of two brothers who have been connected to the case.
Beth Holloway Twitty said she never intended to offend Arubans with her remarks Tuesday, which triggered a street protest from citizens frustrated with the negative attention on their Dutch Caribbean island.
“The statements I made on July 5 were fueled by fear and frustration,” Holloway Twitty said at a news conference. “The Aruban people have been especially kind and generous and especially supportive. I would like to apologize to the Aruban people and the Aruban authorities.”
Natalee Holloway disappeared May 30 in Aruba while celebrating her graduation from high school in Mountain Brook, Alabama.
Aruban prosecutors have appealed a judge’s decision to release the two brothers, Deepak Kalpoe, 21, and Satish Kalpoe, 18, for lack of evidence.
On Tuesday, Holloway Twitty insisted the two brothers were involved in a violent crime against her daughter and pleaded with other countries not to grant them safe haven if they try to leave Aruba.