Nancy Guthrie might have been abducted by a drug cartel, and a private investigator thinks she could still be in Arizona.
Bill Garcia, an investigator from California with over 35 years of experience, suggested to Border Report that the 84-year-old was taken in a “money-making venture by cartel affiliates” and hasn’t been transported to Mexico.
“Certain regions of Arizona are hotspots for drug and money smuggling,” Garcia pointed out.
“We are getting more convinced that this incident is somehow linked to a cartel money-making operation.”
Guthrie, who is the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson home on February 1st.
Authorities believe she was taken during the night, and the FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked individual at her doorstep.
The exact motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear.
Authorities have dismissed the scenario of a robbery gone wrong. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned the possibility of Guthrie being abducted as “some sort of revenge,” but not much else has been disclosed.
Garcia expressed skepticism about the suspect’s actions, noting that he “doesn’t appear very sophisticated.” He remarked, “The way he interacts with the camera suggests a lack of expertise. For instance, why would he mess with the shrubbery if it doesn’t effectively conceal the camera?”
He also pointed out that the holster seemed oversized for the weapon the suspect carried, suggesting a lack of professionalism.
“From his demeanor, one might think he was a novice,” Garcia observed.
Police mentioned they found bloodstains on the balcony of Guthrie’s home, but there were no signs of blood coming from inside.
Garcia theorized there may have been a struggle after Nancy opened the door. He speculated that if she made contact with the suspect, perhaps she was coerced back inside where another kidnapper was waiting.
Despite Garcia’s theory linking the incident to cartel involvement, authorities have not confirmed this connection.
While some believe she might have been taken across the border, Garcia is skeptical. He suggested, given the heavy law enforcement presence between Tucson and Mexico, it’s more likely she’s still somewhere near Tucson, perhaps within 100-130 miles of the city.
FBI officials recently hinted that Guthrie could be in Mexico, but Sheriff Nanos maintained that evidence points to her being in Tucson.
An unnamed source informed TMZ that the FBI had been in contact with Mexican authorities regarding the case.
However, a Border Patrol agent who specializes in Mexican security previously stated he did not think the cartels were involved.
Garcia has gained a reputation for resolving complex cases in Southern California. He mentioned he’s not pushing for any specific investigation regarding this case.
In 2002, he helped find the body of a missing child after weeks of unsuccessful searches, as reported by Border Report.
