The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, has entered its twelfth day, a desperate race against time fueled by a newly doubled reward and a chillingly precise suspect description.
The FBI announced Thursday a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance, a significant escalation driven by breakthroughs in forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage.
Investigators now believe the suspect is a man between 5’9” and 5’10”, of average build, and crucially, was carrying a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack. This detail, confirmed by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division, offers a concrete focus for the ongoing investigation.
However, the investigation is facing internal hurdles. A law enforcement source reveals a troubling conflict: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, leading the case locally, is reportedly restricting the FBI’s access to vital evidence.
Specifically, the FBI requested a glove and DNA samples collected from Guthrie’s home be analyzed at their national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. Sheriff Nanos has instead insisted on utilizing a private lab in Florida, raising questions about the reasoning behind this decision.
Despite these challenges, the FBI continues to relentlessly pursue every lead. Over 13,000 tips have flooded in from the public since February 1st, each one meticulously reviewed for credibility and actionable intelligence.
A dedicated 24-hour command post, staffed by dozens of agents and investigators, is actively processing these tips. Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center are working alongside field personnel, ensuring no potential clue goes unexplored.
The situation remains critical, a complex puzzle of forensic details, conflicting jurisdictions, and the agonizing hope of bringing Nancy Guthrie home. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be the key to unlocking the truth.
Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact the FBI directly.
