Search for Missing Nancy Guthrie Continues
The sheriff in charge of the search for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for over two weeks, has dismissed claims that her disappearance was linked to a robbery gone wrong. “This is a person who disappeared from the face of the earth, and we have camera footage showing the individual responsible,” said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Despite receiving more than 40,000 tips, investigators still have not made any arrests. It’s concerning, and many feel the investigation has not been handled as well as it could have been. The 84-year-old woman was last seen on January 31.
Initially, authorities believed Nancy may have been abducted. While Sheriff Nanos maintains this suspicion, he doesn’t support the robbery theory suggested by anonymous sources; the exact motive remains unclear.
“That’s why we lean towards thinking this is a kidnapping. But the motive? That’s the tricky part,” he noted.
When asked whether the motive was financial, he responded, “Well, they did ask for money at one point. But is it just about the money, or is there something more personal going on?”
Having served as sheriff since 2015, Nanos confirmed that the robbery idea did not originate from the police force.
The search for Nancy is now entering its third week. Investigators are hopeful after discovering a glove with DNA about two miles from her luxurious home in Tucson. “The DNA profile recovered looks different from previous samples and matches that of the glove seen in the surveillance footage,” an FBI representative mentioned.
The sheriff believes the person in the video might be connected to someone in the community. “I think there are people who watch that footage and will think, ‘I recognize that person,'” he commented.
Interestingly, around 16 gloves have been found in the vicinity of Nancy’s home during the past few weeks.
Former NYPD Lieutenant Darin Porcher suggested that the DNA findings could be pivotal in advancing the case. “This is a significant breakthrough,” he said, expressing hope that it is entered into a national database for matches.
Video footage released recently shows a masked individual, clad in black gloves, tampering with Nancy’s camera and carrying a firearm visibly, which some experts found unusual given typical criminal behavior.
Nanos cautioned against underestimating the suspect, stating that it’s always unwise to do so. “People often surprise you. This guy might be more clever than we think,” he added.
The individual caught on camera is also seen wearing a distinct Ozark Trail Hiker backpack.
In light of some missteps made during the investigation, Nanos has reflected on decisions like releasing Nancy’s home back to her family before completing the evidence examination. He now wishes they had considered delaying that move.
Meanwhile, Nancy’s daughter, Savannah, has issued a heartfelt message on social media directed at those who might know her mother’s whereabouts. “It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken. We still have hope, and we still believe,” she expressed in an Instagram video, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Since these developments, the FBI’s reward for tips leading to an arrest has increased to $100,000.
