Patty G: I have been thinking a lot about the connection between the extortion case and Stephany also. Another possible scenario that has occurred to me is this: Joran is broke, lost most of what he had, with only the money inventoried by LR after his capture - just an incidental amount. He watches Stephany, complements her on her skill at the Poker table. He asks her how she is so good at winning, and she tells him there are some techniques to add to the odds of winning. He talks her into going to his room, which is close by, since it is so late, and she shouldn't drive. He also tells her she can sleep a little before going home, and he would appreciate her showing him the techniques she used to help her win. His main intention is to talk her into "lending" him some, or even all, of her winnings.
Maybe they do both nap, maybe not. He goes out to get the breakfast, and she gets on his computer. She finds the info about the extortion, and now she believes he is also trying to extort money from her. She is angry, and feels that he tricked her. When he returns, she confronts him. He no longer feels in "control" of the situation, goes into a rage and beats her to death. Seems totally plausible to me.
IMHO, Joran is walking a tightrope all of the time, in regards to control. Any little thing that makes him feel he has lost control of the situation and he explodes. Joran has no feelings or empathy for others but all in the world for himself. And when she confronted him, it was all about him - how dare she, etc. etc. etc. And when he confesses, he still lays blame with the victim because "He didn't want to" but she invaded his privacy. It is doubtful that Joran ever was held accountable for anything he ever did. But this time, he will be held accountable.
