FBI Agents Conduct Meticulous Search in Hunt for Nancy Guthrie
FBI agents executed a thorough, inch-by-inch examination of the rugged scrubland surrounding the $1 million home of abducted Nancy Guthrie on Wednesday, marking the eleventh day of the intensive search for the 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. The team, apparently led by a uniformed woman from the evidence collection unit wearing a blue shirt and green pants, scoured the area for nearly an hour, navigating among towering cacti in the affluent Catalina Hills area of Tucson, Arizona, in pursuit of any clues related to her disappearance.
Discovery of Potential Evidence
Authorities reported a significant development as the search efforts yielded a black glove found lying in a small shrub, which appears similar to the one worn by the abductor in chilling doorbell camera footage from the night of Nancy's abduction. The glove was carefully bagged and taken by investigators, who remained tight-lipped about its potential owner. This discovery followed the release of shocking federal footage showing a masked man wearing thick gloves attempting to obscure the camera on Nancy's front porch.
Barb Dutrow, a jogger in the neighborhood during the search, told the Associated Press that an FBI agent informed her they were looking for items that might have been discarded from a vehicle. Simultaneously, investigators were observed combing through the mail at the mailbox of Nancy's daughter, Annie, marking the fourth FBI visit to Annie's house since the disappearance on February 1. The initial visits were primarily to update the family and film a response to reported ransom notes.
Family and Investigation Updates
Nancy Guthrie was last seen by Annie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, during a dinner at their home on January 31. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend virtual church services at a friend's house, and has not been heard from since. The investigation has faced challenges, including the release of a person of interest without charges, leading to a temporary standstill.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated on Tuesday that the bureau is actively examining several individuals as persons of interest, noting substantial progress in the last 36 to 48 hours due to technical capabilities and partnerships. He emphasized that individuals remain under scrutiny until eliminated or confirmed as culprits.
Ransom Notes and Skepticism
TMZ reported receiving a new ransom note claiming the sender has unsuccessfully tried to contact Nancy's son, Camron Guthrie, and Annie, offering information on the suspect's identity in exchange for one Bitcoin. The note included a legitimate Bitcoin address, distinct from previous ones, and stressed that "time is more than relevant." TMZ host Harvey Levin confirmed the receipt of this email, though its authenticity remains uncertain.
However, law enforcement experts have expressed skepticism. Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker described the note as likely a scam, citing TMZ's unverified leads and potential for viewership exploitation. Former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro echoed these concerns, questioning the motivation behind demanding $66,000 in Bitcoin when a $50,000 reward is offered, suggesting it could be a hoax but remains a pertinent investigative lead.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Involvement
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is reviewing thousands of tips with hundreds of detectives and agents assigned to the case. The FBI confirmed that numerous agents are conducting extensive searches along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills area. During Wednesday's search, a woman approached the female agent with information, leading to a quiet conversation, though no immediate follow-up occurred, and the team eventually departed in a black Toyota SUV.
As the search continues, authorities urge the public to provide credible information through official channels, emphasizing the complexity of the case amid evolving developments and potential distractions from unverified sources.
