ABC News is reporting that Gary V. Giordano, the Gaithersburg man held in Aruba in connection with the disappearance of missing North Bethesda woman Robyn Gardner, took out a $1.5 million life insurance policy on Gardner a week before the two traveled to the island.

Authorities are investigating the insurance policy as a possible motive in her disappearance, ABC News reported.

Gardner went missing on the island Aug. 2. Giordano told authorities there she disappeared while the two were on a snorkeling excursion. Since his arrest, allegations of domestic abuse have surfaced against Giordano. His lawyer maintains his innocence.

Monday, a judge in Aruba ordered Giordano detained for 16 more days.  Authorities in Aruba, who have said they are presuming Gardner is dead, are planning an extensive search later in the week for her remains or other evidence that could shed light on her disappearance.

On Friday, federal agents searched Giordano's Gaithersburg home.

ABC news is reporting that blood was discovered behind the restaurant where the two were last seen together, and that Gardner seemed "woozy" as the two were dining.

ABC reported that Giordano told authorities Gardner has been drinking vodka and taking sleeping pills, citing police sources. In surveillance videos, Giordano was difficult to identify because he was frequently changing his toupees, police sources told ABC.

As Giordano was attempting to leave the island, ABC is reporting he told customs officials his traveling companion was "taking another flight," citing police sources in Aruba. As he was arrested, Giordano was "drenched in sweat," according to ABC.

The full story is available at ABC News.