A U.S. judge has granted a delay in Joran Van der Sloot’s extortion trial, allowing him more time to prepare his defense or consider entering a guilty plea.
Van der Sloot, who has long been considered a prime suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway in 2005, faces federal charges of attempting to extort money from Holloway’s mother in exchange for revealing the location of her daughter’s remains. He was extradited from Peru to Alabama, Holloway’s home state, to face trial.
Van der Sloot’s attorney requested the continuance to review the evidence, investigate the case, and adequately prepare for trial. Prosecutors agreed to the request.
Magistrate Gray Borden wrote that it was necessary to provide Van der Sloot with sufficient time to prepare his defense and make an informed decision about a guilty plea or proceeding to trial. The extension was granted until October 2, with the exact trial date to be determined by the presiding judge.
Natalee Holloway disappeared during a graduation trip, and Van der Sloot was reportedly the last person seen with her, leaving a bar together. Her remains have never been found, and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Van der Sloot allegedly sought money from Holloway’s mother in 2010 in exchange for disclosing the location of her daughter’s body. He was indicted by a grand jury that year and initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Earlier this month, Van der Sloot appeared in an Alabama courtroom, shackled, for his arraignment on the federal charges, while Holloway’s parents observed the proceedings.
