Disappearance of Natalie Thompson

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CANDICE:

Hi and welcome back to CNT’s Situation Zone.

It’s half past the hour and we have a few breaking stories that we’re following for you this morning.  Let’s start with the investigation of the disappearance of the 19 year old ASU student, Natalie Thompson, who disappeared last week after leaving school for Spring Break.  Nobody has seen or heard from her since.  Let’s go to our correspondent, Steve Kendall, who’s on the ground covering the story.

What can you tell us, Steve?

STEVE:

Well, Candice, we’re just looking into the disappearance of the 19 year old ASU student, Natalie Thompson, who, as we all know, disappeared last week after leaving school for Spring Break.  We’ve talked to leading detectives working the case and they tell us that there are no leads, no hope, and no story at this time.

CANDICE:

Why is that, Steve?

STEVE:

Well, it might have something to do with the fact that students have left for Spring Break.

CANDICE:

Thanks, Steve.  Keep us updated.

Now joining us is Detective Bob Hardwood of the Tempe Police Department.  Detective, good morning, what can you tell us?

DETECTIVE HARDWOOD:

Good morning, Candice.  We’re looking into various reports that Ms. Thompson is missing.  Her parents haven’t heard from her since she left for Spring Break, but the parents admit that they wouldn’t describe their relationship with Natalie as being close.

CANDICE:

Is there anything, Detective, that you can tell us about any suspects and facts that may jeopardize your investigation?

DETECTIVE HARDWOOD:

Excuse me?

CANDICE:

We just need some information for the millions of viewers who are concerned for poor Natalie.

DETECTIVE HARDWOOD:

Yeah, I understand.  But we’re not able to give any further information—not only because it could jeopardize the ongoing investigation, but also because there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of suspicious activity.  If I may be so bold, I might suggest that she might be on vacation for Spring Break, like all of the other students.

CANDICE:

We understand that you need to go now, Detective, and pursue other leads in the case—

DETECTIVE HARDWOOD:

No you don’t understand.  There are no leads.  There is no case!

CANDICE:

Thank you, Detective Hardwood.  We have some breaking news from our correspondent on the ground, Steve Kendal.

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CANDICE:

Steve, what can you tell us?

STEVE:

Hi, Candice.  We’ve just received word that Natalie Thompson has been found and she is all right.

CANDICE:

Oh really?  That’s great news!  Was she kidnapped, beaten, mentally scolded, raped, and defiled beyond recognition?  Will the suspect face life in prison or death?  Will she hold a press conference?

STEVE:

Not exactly, Candice.  I just spoke to Natalie and she said that nothing happened to her.  She saw the news story an hour ago reporting on her disappearance and decided to come forward.  She said that she was just leaving campus the day before Spring Break and decided to spend the weekend with her grandparents and their dog who she says may or may not be “Emo”.  She then embarked on a Spring Break trip with her fellow classmates.  She is fine.

CANDICE:

Has the suspect been apprehended?

STEVE:

There is no suspect.  There is no case.  It was just a misunderstanding on the part of her parents.  Apparently, after leaving her grandparents’ house before she went off for Spring Break, Natalie went home to pack for the trip.  She reportedly informed her parents of her departure—in fact, her parents paid for the trip six months ago.  Natalie claims that the parents were high.

CANDICE:

Really?  Illegal drugs?

STEVE:

Just some pot, Candice.  Just some pot.

CANDICE:

Will charges be brought against the parents for substance abuse and neglect?

STEVE:

No, Candice.  Natalie is 19.  She is legally an adult.

CANDICE:

But she lives with her parents?  Isn’t that a sign that America’s youth—this generation—is overly dependent on their parents?

STEVE:

Uh, I don’t know, Candice.

CANDICE:

Will Natalie receive counseling to become a more responsible adult?

STEVE:

I don’t know.

CANDICE:

Thanks, Steve.  Obviously a traumatic day for the residents of Tempe, Arizona and the students and faculty at ASU---

STEVE:

No, actually---

CANDICE:

Thanks, again, Steve.  We look forward to further reports on Natalie Thompson’s recovery and an Open Dialog on the crisis of teens gone wild and parents who use and abuse.  We’ll be right back.

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