Details Emerge In Case Of North Bethesda Woman Missing In Aruba

More details are emerging in the case of a as the story of her disappearance receives national media spotlight.

Robyn Gardner, 35, was last seen while on vacation in Aruba Aug. 2. Gardner maintained an apartment in Frederick but lived mostly with her boyfriend, Richard Forester, in the Grosvenor neighborhood, Forester told Patch. The two both worked in downtown Bethesda, but Gardner had recently lost her job, Forester said.

Gary Giordano, a Gardner was traveling with, told authorities in Aruba Gardner disappeared while the two were snorkeling. Giordano has been detained in connection with Gardner’s disappearance, and the Washington Post reported that he has in the past been “been accused by two Montgomery County women of domestic abuse or threats.”

Aruban authorities have called off the search for Gardner “because they had no more leads to pursue,” but are continuing to question Giordano, ABC7 reported.

Several media outlets have drawn connections between the case and the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway, also in Aruba. The Washington, D.C.-based Natalee Holloway Resource Center has been actively involved in Gardner’s case.

Forester spoke to media outlets including NBC’s Today Show about his girlfriend’s disappearance. Forester told Today that Gardner told him she was traveling to Florida with family. Forester also told Today he “didn’t accept for one minute” that Gardner would have been interested in snorkeling, and that he was fearful that Giordano may have harmed Gardner.

Gardner’s brother also spoke to ABC7 about his sister, who is described in an AP report as kind, quiet, and trusting.

Andrea Colson, Gardner’s mother, released the following statement to the media, according to The Gazette:

“We can only pray that she will soon be with us and bring back the joy into our lives. She means the world to us. We are hoping for the very best outcome with the help of the international community that we will reach a favorable outcome. We are confident and very grateful to the Aruba authorities and volunteers who are working above and beyond all our expectations. I hope you understand that we are being quiet as to not jeopardize the investigation. Please continue to pray for Robyn. Thank you.’’

The Natalee Holloway Resource Center has also established a confidential tip line in the case, The Gazette reported.  That number is 407-237-2295.