WASHINGTON — A judge in Aruba has ordered the release of a U.S. businessman detained in connection with the August death of his traveling companion.
The judge says Gary Giordano must be freed on Tuesday without any conditions. Prosecutors have until then to appeal the decision.
“In the judge’s opinion, the investigation had not made enough progress to merit a detention extension,” Aruban solicitor Taco Stein said.
If released, Giordano will be free to leave Aruba and return to Maryland.
“Of course we could always ask that he be extradited when he’s charged,” said Stein.
The 50-year-old employment agency owner from Gaithersburg has been in jail since Aug. 5 while investigators sought more time to gather and evaluate evidence in the death of 35-year-old Robyn Gardner, of Frederick.
Aruban authorities have said they believe Giordano was involved in the death.
Giordano has said that Gardner was swept out to sea on Aug. 2 while snorkeling.
“Our investigation continues,” Stein said. “We remain determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Robyn Gardner.”
WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report. Follow “>WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2011 by WTOP and the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
