Sheriff Dismisses Botched Burglary Theory in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has firmly rejected media reports suggesting that the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was connected to a failed burglary attempt. In a statement to Fox News, Sheriff Nanos clarified that this theory did not originate from his department, emphasising that investigators are focused on evidence rather than speculation.
"It did not come from us," Sheriff Nanos stated. "No idea and even though that is one of many possibilities, we would never speculate such a thing. We will let the evidence take us to motive."
Investigative Sources Question Burglary Scenario
Additional sources within the investigative team have echoed the sheriff's scepticism regarding the botched burglary narrative. One source told Fox News that this is "not the working theory inside the unit" and highlighted the unusual nature of nighttime residential burglaries in the area.
"Nighttime residential burglaries are so ridiculously rare. Crazy rare," the source explained, noting that such crimes typically target commercial properties, while home burglaries more commonly occur during daylight hours.
The source also cast doubt on whether Guthrie's Tucson home would have been an attractive target for burglars, stating: "We don't have any indication that [Guthrie] really kept anything valuable there and if this was a burglary gone wrong, they don't take the victim with them usually." The source concluded, "I guess anything is possible but my gut says it's something else entirely."
Latest Developments in the Investigation
The investigation has seen significant developments, including the discovery of a glove approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home. The FBI has indicated that this glove could match those worn by a masked suspect captured on surveillance footage outside Guthrie's front door on January 31, the morning she vanished.
Key details about the suspect include:
- An average build, standing between 5'9" and 5'10" tall
- Wearing a black, 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack
- Described as "armed" in FBI reports
The glove has been sent for DNA testing, with preliminary results already received by investigators, though official confirmation is still pending according to the Associated Press.
Family Appeal and Ongoing Search Efforts
As the search enters its third week, Nancy Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie—co-anchor of the "Today" show—has made an emotional public appeal. In a Sunday night Instagram video, she directly addressed her mother's abductor, pleading for her safe return.
"It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe," Savannah Guthrie said. "I wanted to say to whoever has her, or knows where she is, that it's never too late. And you're not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here."
She added, "We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and it's never too late."
Health Concerns and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities have expressed grave concerns about Nancy Guthrie's health, as she relies on daily medication. Sheriff Nanos has warned that there could be "fatal" consequences if she does not receive her medication promptly. When she disappeared, police noted she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and cardiac issues.
The FBI has announced a substantial reward of $100,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's location or the arrest and conviction of those involved in her disappearance. The case continues to involve multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies in a coordinated search effort that has gripped national attention.
