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FBI Raises Reward to $100,000 in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has significantly increased the reward to $100,000 for any credible information that leads to the safe return of Nancy Guthrie or the apprehension and conviction of those involved in her disappearance.
New Details Emerge from Forensic Analysis
In a recent update from the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, investigators disclosed that forensic examination of doorbell camera footage identified a masked individual believed to be a male standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average physique. The suspect was seen carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, a detail that may prove crucial in the ongoing investigation.
Public Engagement and Tip Line Activity
Since February 1, authorities have received over 13,000 tips from the public. A dedicated 24-hour command center has been established to meticulously analyze every lead for actionable intelligence, underscoring the urgency and scale of the investigation.
Ongoing Communications and Ransom Demands
TMZ recently reported receiving a new email from an individual claiming knowledge of Guthrie’s kidnappers. The message contained threatening language and expressed frustration over not being taken seriously. Previously, an email demanded one bitcoin—valued at approximately $65,000—as ransom, but no payments have been confirmed in the associated cryptocurrency wallet. TMZ is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to verify these communications.
Surveillance Footage and Suspect Movements
Surveillance video obtained on Thursday shows a person carrying backpacks similar to those spotted near Guthrie’s residence attempting to scale a wall in Tucson at 1:52 a.m. This occurred shortly after Guthrie’s Nest doorbell camera went offline at 1:47 a.m. and about 20 minutes before motion was detected again at 2:12 a.m. The footage, captured roughly five miles from her home, is currently under federal review.
However, two officials speaking to NBC News have stated that the man seen in this video has been cleared by investigators, indicating the complexity of the case and the challenges in identifying suspects.
Interagency Tensions and Evidence Handling
Reports indicate friction between federal and local law enforcement. An FBI representative told NewsNation that the Pima County Sheriff’s Office has withheld critical evidence, including a glove and DNA samples, from federal agents. These items were sent to a private lab in Florida for analysis, despite the FBI’s request to have them tested at the national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia, citing concerns that retesting elsewhere could delay the investigation.
A source familiar with the case confirmed that the FBI’s involvement was initiated at the sheriff’s request and that the bureau remains focused on locating Nancy Guthrie.
Community Assistance and Surveillance Requests
The sheriff’s office has appealed to residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home to submit any surveillance footage recorded between January 1 and February 2. Authorities are particularly interested in videos capturing vehicles, pedestrians, or any unusual activity that could aid the investigation.
Ransom Deadlines and Family Contact
Previous ransom deadlines mentioned in emails sent to media outlets have elapsed without resolution. Investigators have yet to confirm whether Guthrie’s family has had direct communication with the alleged kidnappers or if the ransom demands are genuine.
Active Crime Scene Investigation
On Thursday morning, forensic teams erected a tent outside Guthrie’s residence to continue evidence collection. An osteometric board, a tool used to estimate height from skeletal measurements, was also brought to the scene, highlighting the thoroughness of the forensic examination.
Authorities confirmed the discovery of a black glove approximately 1.5 miles from Guthrie’s home on Wednesday, though its connection to the case remains unverified.
Timeline of Events Surrounding Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1 after being dropped off at her home by an Uber driver just before 10 p.m. on January 31. Investigators noted that her doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., motion was detected at 2:12 a.m., and her pacemaker lost connection with her phone at 2:28 a.m., marking critical timestamps in the timeline of her disappearance.
