Cellphone Data May Help Locate Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnappers
Forensic experts believe sensitive cellphone data could lead to the capture of Nancy Guthrie’s kidnappers, similar to methods used in the Brian Koberger investigation. Heather Barnhart, an expert from the SANS Institute involved in the Koberger case, noted, “To find evil, you have to know what normal is. Then this person’s cell phone would be considered evil.”
Agents from the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Investigation Team (CAST) are currently working to analyze extensive cell phone tower data surrounding Nancy’s home in Arizona. They aim to build profiles of typical and atypical phone activity, identifying deviations that could reveal crucial evidence.
Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31st, was last seen when her doorbell camera was disconnected for a period early the following morning. Additionally, her pacemaker app disappeared from her phone. Savannah, Nancy’s daughter and a host on the “Today” show, has offered a $1 million reward for information regarding her mother’s whereabouts.
Investigators believe vital clues might already be embedded in the cellphone tower data, particularly if the kidnapper interacted with their device around Nancy’s vicinity. Drawing parallels to the Koberger case, Barnhart elaborates: the suspect turned off his phone during his actions, creating an absence in the data. When he subsequently turned it on, it allowed authorities to track his movements.
Such movements, or “pings,” create traces that can be analyzed for patterns. Barnhart pointed out that unless someone knows precisely where they are headed, their device will intermittently turn off and back on, potentially complicating the search. The analysis may even extend to prior weeks, looking for any unusual cellphone activity that could indicate surveillance of Nancy’s home.
“If the person has looked inside the house beforehand, are there any unusual pings to the tower?” she asked. It’s that notion of normal behavior versus outliers that can reveal much about the case.
However, digital forensics can be a lengthy and intricate process. Barnhart acknowledges the public’s desire for immediate answers but emphasizes the need for thorough investigations. “I think they’re doing a thorough job. That’s why it’s taking so long,” she shared.
Interestingly, while some criminals might recognize how their phone usage could impact nearby towers, many remain oblivious to the digital breadcrumbs they leave behind. Barnhart noted that Koberger’s attempts to erase his digital footprint—by turning off his devices—actually led to crucial evidence against him. His disconnected status provided a significant clue that ultimately hinted at his malicious intent.
