Authorities in Argentina have arrested and released a suspect in connection with the shooting deaths last week of two young French women in northern Salta province.

The investigating judge released the suspect due to lack of evidence.

Investigators say the man was taken into custody early Monday. He was detained three days after the bodies of the two women were discovered in a tourist area.

News reports say one of the women may have been sexually assaulted. A Salta official has said the women were last seen alive at an area hostel July 16.

French embassy officials have been meeting with Argentine authorities investigating the incident.