Nancy Guthrie’s Family Cleared as Possible Suspects: Search Enters Third Week
Police in Arizona have confirmed that the family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as possible suspects in her disappearance. The investigation into the missing 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie is now entering its third week, amid increasing speculation on social media regarding her whereabouts.
– Cooperation from Family: The Pima County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that Nancy Guthrie’s family has been “nothing but cooperative and gracious,” underscoring that they are victims in this case. A statement from the office described any suggestion to the contrary as “not only wrong, it is cruel.”
– Law Enforcement’s Stand: Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the situation, stating that his office felt compelled to intervene as “people had been attacking the innocent.” He added that “kindness matters” and it is the duty of law enforcement to advocate for victims.
Search Details and Investigation Updates
Nancy Guthrie went missing in the early hours of February 1. Law enforcement has reported significant developments in the search:
– Circumstances of Disappearance: Guthrie was taken from her home, and blood was discovered on her porch. A doorbell camera captured footage of a masked man believed to be involved, who wore gloves and carried a backpack.
– Physical Description of the Suspect: The FBI analyzed the video, concluding that the man is between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in (175-177cm) tall with an average build. Authorities suspect he purchased the mask and backpack at a local Walmart and are working to identify these transactions.
– Forensic Analysis and Surveillance: Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from Walmart locations in the area. They have also located a glove that may belong to the suspect and have created a DNA profile of an unidentified male, which will be entered into a national FBI database.
Community and Family Responses
Savannah Guthrie has publicly expressed her ongoing hope and concern for her mother. In a recent video appeal, she addressed “whoever has her, or knows where she is,” and reassured that her family still holds onto hope for Nancy’s safe return.
– Search Operations: Over the past two weeks, a substantial search operation has been conducted, utilizing helicopters, sniffer dogs, and hundreds of officers. They have received thousands of tips from the public.
– New Search Techniques: As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence located two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home but did not make any arrests. Law enforcement is now employing innovative strategies, including a device known as a signal sniffer mounted on a helicopter, to detect signals from her pacemaker, hopefully pinpointing her location.
Last Known Sightings
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 after a family member dropped her off at her home following a gathering at her daughter Annie’s residence. Her absence was quickly noted by church members the following day, prompting her family to take action.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the community remains on high alert, holding onto hope for her safe return while law enforcement endeavors to bring answers to her family.