Missing in Aruba: Investigators Focus on Insurance Policy
Aug. 17, 2011— -- Authorities are investigating an insurance policy on Robyn Gardner purchased before she traveled with Gary Giordano to Aruba as a possible motive in the disappearance of the missing Maryland woman.
The investigation into the insurance policy on Gardner for as much as $1.5 million -- which names Giordano as a beneficiary -- has been confirmed exclusively to ABC News by a law enforcement source.
Gardner, 35, has been missing for two weeks, since reportedly snorkeling with Giordano, 50, off of an isolated beach on Aug. 2. The two traveled together from Maryland to Aruba on July 31. She is now presumed to be dead by Aruba police.
The FBI is also investigating the American Express insurance policy.
Giordano was ordered this week to remain in an Aruban jail for another 16 days while police investigate what they say are "serious inconsistencies" in his story. Investigators have found apparent gaps in time between when witnesses saw the pair on the beach and the timeline Giordano gave when he reported Gardner missing.
Though he has not been charged with a crime, Giordano remains the only suspect in the case.
Giordano, court documents show, is a man trailed by a history of domestic violence.
Erratic Behavior Surrounding Disappearance
Surveillance video from local businesses place Giordano and Gardner at the Rum Reef Bar & Grill in the Baby Beach area of the island before Gardner went missing, a law enforcement source told ABC News. Restaurant staff said that Gardner seemed woozy while the two ate; Giordano later told police they'd been drinking vodka at the Marriott before dining, and that she'd taken sleeping pills earlier in the day, the source said.
Video also shows Giordano in his rental car parked in the back of the bar and restaurant. The Toyota Rav-4 had tinted windows, so no one else in the vehicle can be identified. Giordano parked the car in the back parking lot twice; he told police that he wanted to park in the shade, the law enforcement source told ABC News.
