Aruba judge orders Gary Giordano set free in missing Md. woman case
(CBS/WJZ/AP) BALTIMORE - Gary Giordano, the U.S. businessman suspected in the August disappearance and presumed death of his traveling companion Robyn Gardner in Aruba, must be released from jail next week and will be free to leave the island, a judge ruled Friday.
The 50-year-old employment agency owner from Maryland is scheduled to be freed Tuesday without any conditions.
Giordano has spent nearly four months in custody while investigators have sought more time to gather and evaluate evidence in the death of the 35-year-old Gardner, whose body has not been found. Prosecutor Taco Stein says he has appealed the judge's decision, but if Giordano leaves Aruba, prosecutors would later request his extradition from the U.S. if they can find sufficient evidence to persuade a judge to order him rearrested.
Chris LeJuez, Giordano's attorney, says his client was overwhelmed by the judge's ruling, CBS Baltimore reports.
"When I asked him what he really feels about his release, he started to cry," said LeJuez.
Giordano denies wrongdoing and says Gardner was swept out to sea while snorkeling.
Complete coverage of Robyn Gardner on Crimesider
