A leading forensic scientist, with decades of experience at a major medical examiner’s office, suggested that Nancy Guthrie might have been singled out by locals who presumed her family had wealth. Barbara Butcher, speaking at Crimecon Las Vegas, expressed disbelief that anyone would target a woman of her age, but speculated that a handyman or service worker could have learned who she was—Savannah Guthrie’s mother—and thought, “Oh, she must be rich.” Butcher noted, “That’s likely why this person isn’t feeling well.”
The seasoned death investigator and host of Oxygen’s “Death Investigators” shared concerns about the absence of a credible ransom request. This, she explained, might indicate that Guthrie passed away shortly after being taken, possibly from shock or pre-existing health issues. She remarked, “With no valid ransom demand or additional information, it seemed probable that Mrs. Guthrie died soon after her abduction, perhaps due to fear, shock, or heart problems.”
Butcher expressed horror at the thought that the kidnapper may have disposed of her body in the desert. Guthrie, aged 84, is believed to have been abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, early on February 1st. She is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The family was willing to meet a ransom demand relayed through TMZ in February, yet, frustratingly, Guthrie’s location is still unknown.
The family is urging anyone with useful information to reach out to 1-800-CALL-FBI. A reward of over $1.2 million has been combined for tips that lead to a resolution of the case. Additionally, anonymous tips can be sent to Tucson’s Crime Stoppers at 88-Crime (1-520-882-7463).
