TUCSON, Ariz. — New surveillance footage from the porch of Nancy Guthrie has elevated hopes in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance, which has captivated the nation since she was reported missing on February 1. The footage shows a masked individual attempting to disable a doorbell camera at her Tucson-area home, marking a significant development in the case.
Despite the promising lead, the release of a man who was questioned after authorities stopped him near the U.S.-Mexico border has left the investigation in a state of uncertainty. The man, who had a gun holster and was wearing a ski mask when he approached Guthrie’s residence, claimed he had nothing to do with her disappearance and has since been released. His release came after the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI agents conducted extensive searches, including one in the nearby city of Rio Rico, where the man resides.
Police activity in the Tucson area remains intense, with hundreds of detectives and investigators mobilized to search for clues. Onlookers like Barb Dutrow, a jogger visiting from Louisiana, have expressed empathy for the family, saying she cannot imagine the distress they must be experiencing.
The FBI has stated that they are looking for any evidence that may have been discarded, indicating they are leaving no stone unturned. As the investigation unfolds, the agency has received over 4,000 tips in a 24-hour period alone, underlining the community’s engagement in helping to locate the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.
DNA evidence revealed that blood found on her porch was identified as belonging to Nancy Guthrie, adding a layer of urgency to the case. Savannah Guthrie has publicly maintained hope that her mother is still alive, sharing the new surveillance images on social media. The family has also expressed a willingness to pay a ransom, although the legitimacy of purported ransom notes remains uncertain. In a further twist, reports have surfaced of communication attempting to link the family to someone who claims to know the kidnapper’s identity in exchange for a bitcoin payment.
The investigation continues as authorities remain vigilant and committed to unraveling the mystery of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, and there is a collective hope that new leads will emerge in the days ahead.