Robyn Gardner, 35, was reported missing on August 2nd by her travel companion Gary Giordano, 50. Giordano said that Gardner disappeared in the late afternoon while they were snorkeling off the southern tip of Aruba. Giordano initially assisted the authorities with the investigation but was arrested on the 5th of August when he attempted to leave Aruba on a commercial flight bound for the United States.
After a hearing regarding the continued detention of Giordano, a Judge decided that prosecutors have enough evidence to continue to hold him. The Judge stated that he agreed to the 16 day hold, “because of the seriousness of the case and of the importance of the investigation.” Giordano will remain in jail for the next 16 days while Aruban authorities search for clues in the disappearance. After the 16 days, prosecutors can ask that Giordano be held for 60 days while they prepare a case against him. A judge would require more substantial evidence before granting that request. After the 60 days, charges would have to be filed.
The case is strikingly similar to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway who disappeared on May 30, 2005 while vacationing in Aruba. To date, Holloway has never been found.
Joran Van der Sloot has been formally charged by Peruvian authorities with first degree murder for the killing of Stephany Flores. Van der Sloot met Flores, 21, at a casino in Lima Peru. Prosecutors are asking for a 30-year sentence if Van der Sloot is convicted as well as damages exceeding $70,000.
