From the story that is circulating around this week (and I've read many as well as done some of my own research into the people involved, so I can't cite just one that holds all this information), Van der Sloot bought her a drink at a bar. The bartender was purportedly in cahoots with him as he told the bartender to "give it a good one" (or something to that effect), apparently meaning to put the date rape drug in her drink. Not sure if he doubled the dose or what but it was said that within a short time, she was "foaming at the mouth", Van der Sloot "panicked and didn't put her on her side" and she "choked on her own vomit" (or my guess would be an overdose of the drug could've killed her if she was foaming at the mouth, which indicates lack of breathing, as opposed to vomiting - an autopsy, if her body IS ever found, would hopefully clear that up). He supposedly then called his father, a judge who has since died, who helped him bury her body in a nearby park - the park in which they recently found a body and on which they are waiting for DNA testing results, expecte soon.
I guess my questions are, if this turns out to be true, what did she do wrong? She was celebrating her graduation, on a long awaited vacation on "One Happy Island", of drinking age, having a drink in a local, open bar, with a handsome young man. Should she have stayed every moment with her chaperones or friends? Who does that? (And doesn't this sort of thing, and much worse, go on regularly with the "hook up" culture of today?) The blaming should go on the people who did this to her - namely the bartender (who I hope will be charged if this turns out to be true) and Van der Sloot (who directed it). Additionally, any who knew what happened or took part in covering up the crime. Maybe they will give the roommate (of the best friend of Van der Sloot) immunity for coming forward and testifying, even if it's been a while.
As far as the media circus goes, well, its a double edged sword: that's who's kept Natalee's name out there for so long, I suppose. And the family must've agreed to whatever show is on this weekend where the "reveal" will supposedly occur. It does seem like the timing is a little strange, but then again, I've never been in their situation. I imagine if I was, I'd do just about anything to get answers, too.