Tucson Abduction: New Video Evidence & $100K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case
Authorities are intensifying their search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing from her Tucson-area home for 12 days. The investigation is focusing on several pieces of security footage and a broadening search for potential leads.
New Video Evidence Emerges
Investigators are examining footage from a Ring camera captured at 1:54 a.m. On February 1st, showing a bald man in a gray jacket and a backpack attempting to scale a wall near Guthrie’s property. This individual’s attire and backpack are similar to those worn by a masked suspect seen on Guthrie’s Nest camera footage prior to her disappearance.
Another video, taken the morning after Guthrie was reported missing, shows a person wearing a baseball cap and a black backpack attempting to open a car door in the neighborhood. The connection between these two individuals, if any, remains unclear.
Expanding the Investigation
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has requested residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home to provide any video footage from January 1st to February 2nd that may be relevant, including recordings of vehicles, people, or anything considered “out of the ordinary.”
Detectives are also likely analyzing data from license plate readers and cell towers to identify individuals and vehicles present in the area in the days and weeks leading up to Guthrie’s abduction. According to forensic consultant Kimberlee Guluzian, this is a standard practice to identify anyone who doesn’t typically frequent the area.
Suspect Description
Authorities have released a description of the masked suspect seen in the Nest camera footage: a man between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall with an average build, wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
Recent Developments and Continued Search
Sheriff Chris Nanos indicated that more people are likely to be detained as the investigation progresses. A 36-year-old man was briefly detained on Tuesday following a traffic stop, and his home was searched, but he was released without charges. Authorities stated the detention was part of following up on incoming leads.
The Nest camera footage, recorded at 1:47 a.m. On February 1st, shows an individual wearing a balaclava, gloves, and a backpack tampering with the camera and attempting to obscure the lens. A gun is visible holstered around the person’s waist.
Investigators have discovered “several items of evidence including gloves” while searching roadways in the foothills north of Tucson, and these items are currently undergoing testing.
Family’s Plea
Savannah Guthrie, one of Nancy Guthrie’s daughters and a host on “Today,” shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother on Instagram, posting a video of a younger Nancy Guthrie picking flowers with her children. She expressed the family’s unwavering hope for her mother’s safe return.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nancy Guthrie last seen?
Nancy Guthrie was discovered missing from her home 12 days ago after she failed to meet a friend for a church service. She was last seen at her home on the morning of February 1st.
What is being done to find Nancy Guthrie?
Authorities are reviewing security footage, analyzing data from license plate readers and cell towers, searching areas near Guthrie’s home, and asking residents for assistance with video footage. The FBI has also increased the reward for information.
What was the suspect wearing?
The suspect seen on Guthrie’s Nest camera was wearing a balaclava, gloves, and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. A gun was also visible.
As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on identifying the owners of vehicles seen in the area, analyzing cell phone data for unusual activity, and conducting further searches based on any new leads that emerge. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will lead to a breakthrough in the case.