IT’S been 50 days since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
Mystery continues to shroud the investigation as the desperate search for her drags closer to its third month.
Is Nancy alive?
It’s unknown whether Nancy, 84, could be alive, as there’s been no sign of her since she was dropped off at home by her family following a dinner.
After she vanished on February 1, spatters of her dried blood were seen outside her front door, leading to her driveway.
When she first disappeared, authorities made it clear she had physical health issues that required daily medications.
They said that, without the medicine, her situation could prove fatal.
Savannah and her siblings have insisted they’re holding out hope for a miracle.
But in one update, the Today anchor admitted that her mom may already be gone and “dancing in heaven.”
Who is the masked man?
The identity of the masked suspect who was spotted outside Nancy’s home the night of her disappearance also still remains a mystery.
Detectives have released surveillance footage and begged for tips, but they have only released a vague description: a man of average height and build.
Neighbors living in Nancy’s quiet Tucson neighborhood have been urged to check surveillance cameras for any of the suspect’s movements.
Detectives confirmed the suspect was wearing a 25-liter, black Ozark Trail backpack that’s exclusively sold at Walmart.
However, cops later said it wasn’t purchased directly from the retailers, suggesting it was likely obtained secondhand.
Nearby residents continue to report suspicious activity in their neighborhood in the days leading up to Nancy’s kidnapping, but the search for the suspect continues.
Was the masked man alone?
Experts have also questioned whether multiple suspects were involved in Nancy’s abduction.
Some have speculated that at least two people would be needed to take her from her bed and escape without being detected.
But cops haven’t named any other suspects outside the masked man.
Speaking with The U.S. Sun, top security expert Brian Fitzgibbons said the suspect’s laid-back behavior in the surveillance could indicate he had an accomplice watching out nearby.
“The level of detail done to hide his identity and to limit leaving any DNA at the scene leads me to believe that this person was not acting alone,” he said.
Was Nancy targeted?
Because of Nancy’s relationship with Savannah, some have asked whether she was specifically targeted.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is leading the investigation, said he does believe Nancy was targeted and has an idea about the motivation.
“We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted,” he previously told NBC News.
“But we can’t, we’re not 100% sure of that.”
He also voiced his fears that the at-large suspect could strike again, and urged Tucson residents to keep their wits about them.
“It’d be silly to tell people, ‘Yeah don’t worry about it, you’re not his target.’” he said.
“Don’t think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you’re safe.
“Keep your wits about you.”
Were the ransom notes real?
It’s still unclear whether any of the alleged ransom notes sent to newsrooms across the US are legitimate.
Several of the notes demanded a Bitcoin payout and provided account information for a transfer.
Nancy’s family and investigators have acknowledged their existence, but it’s unknown whether they made contact with abductors.
In one video posted by Savannah on February 7th, she appeared to address the kidnapper directly, saying, “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.
“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million payout to anyone who can lead them to Nancy.
Was the investigation bungled?
Concerns have mounted that the investigation led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was mismanaged.
Sheriff Nanos, who has come under fire for his handling of the case, is now facing a recall effort from angry local politicians.
Congress hopeful Daniel Butierez is spearheading the effort, telling local media he’s already amassed a swath of signatures.
He previously said, “He’s pretty well proven to not only us, but the entire nation that he’s not the guy for the position.
“So, I just think we need to move on and get someone else in there that’s more qualified.”
Nanos was also scrutinized over being ousted from his first job at the El Paso Police Department when he was younger due to behavioral issues.
He racked up a lengthy list of violations and was forced to either quit or be fired, police records seen by local outlets show.
Nanos recently said he would respect the democratic process regarding the recall effort – but the department has publicly stood by his side.
A spokesperson previously told The U.S. Sun that Nanos “has dedicated more than four decades to law enforcement and public service.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the safety of the communities he serves,” they wrote.
“As Sheriff of Pima County, he continues to lead the department with experience, integrity, and a clear focus on protecting the residents of Pima County.”
Source :https://www.the-sun.com/news/16108459/nancy-guthrie-50-days-missing-mystery-update/
