Concerns Grow Over Nancy Guthrie Investigation
A former K9 officer has raised questions about how the Nancy Guthrie case has been handled, particularly criticizing the choice not to use a cadaver dog, which he feels “defies logic.” As the investigation reaches its seventh week without significant progress, Michael Gould, a former investigator for the NYPD and Nassau County, expressed his frustration, stating, “We’re just chasing shadows.”
He mentioned that investigators are likely pursuing leads privately, perhaps more effectively than it appears from the outside. He emphasized the importance of cadaver dogs, asserting they are essential for detecting missing persons and should be regarded as scientific tools in legal contexts. “I don’t understand why the sheriff has opted not to utilize them,” Gould said.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie from NBC’s Today show, is believed to have been abducted from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
The sheriff’s office, like many local police departments, lacks its own cadaver dogs and even borrowed one from Border Patrol at the case’s onset. However, that dog is not currently being deployed in the search.
“There are two possibilities: she’s still alive, which is one theory, or they’ve stopped searching for her,” Gould noted. He urged the sheriff’s office either to employ investigative dogs or explain why they are withholding such action.
Gould, struggling to find an explanation for this choice, stated, “It doesn’t make sense unless he gives us a clear rationale.” Sheriff Nanos has said in the past he would return the dog if necessary but has refrained from divulging specific leads or evidence.
As the days pass and Nancy remains missing, a $1 million reward for information still sits unclaimed. In his comments, Gould reflected on the situation, noting, “After six weeks without proof of life, I think the family is facing the reality that this is likely a murder investigation now.”
He mentioned that while the family has held out hope, the lack of evidence has shifted their perspective.
In an emotional Instagram video released last month, Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the support и emphasized the increasingly bleak outlook for her mother’s situation.
The last activity tracked from Guthrie’s pacemaker was on February 1 at 2:30 AM, shortly before what appears to be an abduction. Additionally, blood was found outside her home, identified as hers, with no signs of robbery.
Authorities issued a Silver Alert for Guthrie, highlighting her vulnerability due to her medical needs and mobility issues. As part of the investigation, footage from her Google Nest doorbell showed a masked individual visiting her home, which was uncovered despite the camera being missing.
This suspect has not been identified yet and is described as being between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. Although two men were briefly detained related to the case, they were released without charge.
Gould elaborated on the shifting nature of the investigation from a potential kidnapping to a murder case, noting the urgency initially, but recognizing that such investigations evolve. “It’s different when you consider someone might still be alive,” he said.
Despite updates becoming less frequent, a task force of Pima County homicide detectives and FBI agents continues to work on the case. Gould remained optimistic, saying, “If new information comes in, this won’t be a cold case.”
Looking forward, Gould indicated that genetic analysis might play a significant role in unlocking new leads, stating, “People will be surprised by the outcome.” With over $1.2 million in rewards for tips regarding Guthrie’s whereabouts, the family urges anyone with information to contact the authorities.
