Rain showers and isolated thunderstorms forecasted in Tucson, Arizona, could possibly contaminate evidence in the Nancy Guthrie missing persons case as local law enforcement and the FBI continue their investigation.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) lists rain as an environmental condition that could cause destruction or deterioration of evidence at outdoor crime scenes.
“The FBI will continue our investigation regardless of weather conditions. Bringing Nancy home is our priority,” Connor Hagan, FBI public affairs officer, told Newsweek in a statement.
Newsweek also reached out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for comment on Friday.
The Context
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson on January 31. The disappearance has prompted a multi‑agency search involving local law enforcement as well as the FBI.
In addition, alleged ransom notes were sent to multiple news outlets after her disappearance.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference last week there were things at the crime scene that indicated Guthrie “did not leave on her own.” The sheriff has also said the 84-year-old needs daily medication, and it could be fatal if she did not have the medication every 24 hours.
What To Know
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in Tucson said scattered rain showers are expected during the day. The office forecasted isolated thunderstorms mainly in the afternoon and into the evening. The office said moderate rainfall rates and small hail are expected.
The NWS Forecast Office said rainfall may result in significant ponding on roads and normally dry washes. Areas that see heavier rain may see water running in washes and minor street flooding, the office added.
“Destruction or deterioration of evidence due to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow and wind are problems associated with outdoor scenes,” the NIJ states, which added that evidence that cannot be protected from these conditions “should be collected expeditiously without compromising its integrity.”
Nancy Guthrie Case: Latest Updates
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said on Thursday investigators have recovered several items of evidence, including gloves.
“As part of the investigative process, all viable evidence is submitted for analysis,” the sheriff’s department said.
The sheriff’s department is asking residents for all video footage that includes vehicles, vehicle traffic, people/pedestrians and “anything neighbors deem out of the ordinary or important to our investigation” from January 1 to February 2. The sheriff’s department said it sent an alert via Neighbors App to users within a 2-mile radius of Nancy’s residence.
Requests will come from “Pima County Sheriff’s Department” with a blue checkmark. The sheriff’s department urged residents to verify legitimate posts before sharing.
“As more leads come in, detectives and agents will continue to follow up on viable leads throughout the community. You can expect to see a higher presence of law enforcement activity going forward,” the sheriff’s department said.
The FBI shared new identifying details about a potential suspect in Nancy’s disappearance on Thursday after video footage of a man wearing a ski mask approaching the 84-year-old’s front door the night she went missing was released on Tuesday. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, with an average build. In the footage released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI, the man is seen wearing a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack, the FBI said.
What People Are Saying
Savannah Guthrie wrote on Instagram on Tuesday after posting video of the suspect: “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”
The White House wrote on X on Tuesday: “The President encourages any American across the country with any knowledge of this suspect to please call the FBI who continue to assist state and local authorities. The prayers of the entire White House are with the Guthrie family.”
What Happens Next
Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
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