At 1:47 a.m. on February 1, a mysterious figure approached Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home. Dressed in a balaclava and gloves, the individual carried a backpack and had a visible firearm. Shortly after noticing the camera at her front porch, they tried to obscure it with nearby greenery.
A week has passed since those unsettling images surfaced. Despite having questioned two individuals, law enforcement has yet to identify a suspect.
The FBI recently discovered DNA on a glove found two miles from Guthrie’s home that matched those worn by the mysterious figure. However, the DNA didn’t match any profiles in the national database, CODIS. Investigators are hoping that tips from the community based on the surveillance footage will lead to a breakthrough.
Sheriff Chris Nanos believes that someone might recognize the figure from the video. He likened this situation to the Unabomber case, where a family member’s tip helped the FBI pinpoint the suspect after years of searching. David Kaczynski alerted authorities after noticing similarities between letters from his brother and the Unabomber’s manifesto.
Today, both law enforcement and the Guthrie family are holding on to hope. Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on the “Today” show, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, appealing to the kidnappers to do the right thing. Nancy Guthrie, 84, has not taken her essential medication since her kidnapping, raising concerns about her well-being.
Authorities believe the suspect’s clothing and backpack might have been purchased at Walmart and are collaborating with the store to track down the buyer. While the DNA from the gloves hasn’t led to a suspect, tests on evidence from Guthrie’s home are still pending.
Nancy went missing after failing to arrive at a friend’s house for a church service. The abduction has captured national attention, but leads remain sparse. The day after her disappearance, similar ransom notes surfaced, prompting immediate investigation. These notes included specific details that suggested knowledge of her home.
The video footage represents the most significant lead so far. Law enforcement worked tirelessly to recover potential evidence that might have been lost or tampered with during the initial stages of the investigation. Experts, like Mary Ellen O’Toole from George Mason University, believe someone might recognize the suspect based on their mannerisms or clothing. Even if the individual is masked, familiar patterns can provide vital clues.
As Nancy’s family and law enforcement continue their urgent search, the community remains on alert, hoping for any piece of information that could bring her home safely.
For more insights on missing person investigations and community involvement, you can refer to this article from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
