One, we do not know what happened to her. But as the days go by, it is becoming less likely than the teenaged girl who went to Aruba will be found. One, we do know what happened, for the lifeless body was found submerged in shallow water about 500 feet west of Paradise Cove, just west of Yuma's Joe Henry Park, dead due to 'violent trauma'. Much rumor abounds about the specific nature of the injuries.

The local person was a 23 year old cosmetologist, originally born in Sinaloa, Mexico. Of a transgendered nature, he was known to at least be a gay female impersonator who went by name Delilah. At least a transvestite, he might have identified with the female gender in the way known to transsexuals. Amancio Corrales was out dressed as a female while at one or more local bars on May 5, 2005, the night of his murder. Yuma County Sheriff's Capt. Eben Bratcher said it was "a significant possibility" that Corrales left one of the bars with people who thought he was a woman, according to the Yuma Daily Sun. There are presently no gay bars in Yuma where the transgendered possibility would be an understood possibility. So the men he went off with were likely thinking he was born female. Corrales might have wanted this illusion to continue. However the speculation is of great rage when his true biological sex was discovered.

This young person took too much chance, was too innocent, was not aware of a possibly violent and dangerous world out there. Oh, I am not blaming Corrales. This was indeed a 'hate crime'. A vigil honoring the death of Amancio Corrales will be held Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the Riverfront Park located at the end of Madison Avenue, from 4:00pm until 10:00pm. This will demonstrate community support to ensure that law enforcement conducts a proper investigation; secure Bias (Hate) Crime classification; ensure the murderer(s) are brought to justice; properly honor Amancio; build a strong community, with a voice to create change; and support the family and respond to their needs.

Now about the story far away. Natalee Holloway, 18, disappeared May 30 while on a five-day trip to the Caribbean island with 124 classmates and seven chaperons celebrating their graduation from Mountain Brook High School, near Birmingham. Police found her U.S. passport and packed bags in her hotel room (AP).

But what went wrong that last night in Aruba? She was planning to return. She went to a Boyz II Men concert before she went to a popular bar, where she danced and partied almost until the bar closed at 1:00am. Friends saw her getting into a vehicle outside the nightclub. Aruba has a reputation of being crime free. Under the influence of alcohol, Holloway's guard might have been down, and she just thought she was going to have a fun adventure with the three men.

But something went terribly wrong. Not much information is coming from the three suspects. Holloway is described as a bright, involved student, with a full academic scholarship this fall for University of Alabama. You don't get such scholarships unless you are smart. But Holloway's uncle described her as naive, having an almost childlike side.

So it is indeed a tragedy which becomes increasing certain as the days go by and she is not found. Will she be found at the bottom of a body of water, like Corrales?

Two tales, very different, yet very similar. Two tales involving bars, drinking and going off with strangers. I do accuse the 'strangers'. I am not blaming the victims. And yet, I can't help but think, keen senses knowing the dangers would have guided these two young people into better decisions.