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Suspect held in search for American woman missing in Aruba

Authorities in Aruba are holding a suspect in connection with the disappearance of an American woman.

Ann Angela, spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said Robyn Gardner, 35, of Maryland, Washington D.C. was last seen on August 2 near Baby Beach on the western tip of Aruba.

She said her office could only identify the suspect publicly by his initials: GVG.

"He is suspected of involvement in the disappearance of Miss Gardner," Ms. Angela said, adding that the man is a 50-year-old U.S. citizen.

The prosecutor's office released a statement Tuesday afternoon, August 9, that provided more detail.

The statement read that GVG told authorities that he had been snorkeling with Miss Gardner behind Nanki Country Club when he signaled to her to swim back.

He added that when the man reached the beach, the woman was nowhere to be found.

"The statements made by the traveling companion led to such questions that on Friday, August 5, 2011 it was decided to detain him for further questioning on the possible drowning of the woman," the prosecutor's office said in the statement, adding that police are investigating the case.

Media reports have identified Gardner's companion on her trip as Gary Giordano.

The suspect's attorney, Michael Lopez, said his client came to Aruba on vacation with a female friend he had met on a dating site and has known for years.

Mr. Lopez has said his client has been cooperating with police.

Ms. Angela would not say what evidence led authorities to suspect his involvement in Gardner's disappearance.

Under Aruban law, a judge sees the suspect within two days of his being detained, Angela said. A judge on Sunday decided authorities may hold the suspect another eight days, she said. "So he'll be detained up until next weekend, and then the judge will see him again and the judge will decide again if he will remain in detention or go home."

After finding no trace of Miss. Gardner, authorities stopped their active search for her on Saturday and are now searching "passively," Angela said.

Police helicopters and search and rescue officials are keeping their eyes out for any clues to her disappearance, "but it's not an active search anymore," she said.

[Source: CNN]

 

 



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