On January 12, 2012, more than six years after her disappearance, Natalee Holloway was declared dead. Alabama Judge Alan King signed the order during a hearing, where Natalee's parents, divorced since 1993 were present. Her father, Dave Holloway, had petitioned in September to have his daughter declared dead. Her mother Beth, was resistant to the idea, but made no objections during the hearing. Dave reportedly sought to have Natalee declared dead in order to gain closure, as well as to be able to stop making health insurance payments in her name and use her $2000 college fund for her younger brother.

The declaration came one day after Joran van der Sloot, a key suspect in the case, pleaded guilty to the 2010 murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores in Peru.

Review the Case in Photos

Full Story: The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway

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