Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker expressed doubt about a third letter sent to TMZ regarding the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Speaking on “The Faulkner Focus,” he mentioned being “very skeptical” about the letter’s authenticity, implying it could be someone attempting to exploit the situation.
He noted that while TMZ has had some successes in publicizing cases, he feels there might be some deception involved. “I mean, I could be completely wrong,” he added, but reiterated his doubts.
TMZ’s Harvey Levin shared that they recently received an email claiming to have information on the 84-year-old suspected kidnapper. The message was peculiar, suggesting the sender had reached out to family members of Nancy’s without success. It included a request for one Bitcoin, valued at around $56,000—a sum matching the FBI’s reward for information leading to her safe return.
Levin commented on the unusual nature of the claims, indicating the person sounded like they could be linked to the original letter writer, suggesting they had knowledge about the actual kidnappers. Law enforcement seems to believe the suspect might reside in the Tucson area, where the incident occurred.
Authorities have been scrutinizing video footage showing a masked figure approaching Guthrie’s home and attempting to conceal the front door. Recently, one individual was taken in for questioning regarding her disappearance, although no formal charges have been made yet. A man identified as Carlos Palazuelos was stopped for traffic violations and later released.
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned they are looking into several persons of interest. He acknowledged significant progress in the investigation thanks to technical resources and collaboration with local authorities, but added that until a suspect is definitively identified, it’s all still very much up in the air.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1. Since then, both TMZ and other media outlets have received several letters linked to her case.
