Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Nancy Guthrie case: FBI releases suspect’s description, federal agency reportedly blocked from evidence – what we know– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
The FBI on Friday released new identifying details about the suspect who allegedly kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US television journalist Savannah Guthrie, amid reports that an Arizona sheriff is blocking its access to key evidence.
The investigative agency also doubled its initial cash reward for information leading to a breakthrough in the case, as the 84-year-old remains missing for the 13th day.
After the forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage from Nancy’s Tucson home, the FBI revealed several identifying details about the masked abductor, seen on her doorstep with a gun holstered at the front of his waist and carrying an Ozark trailer backpack.
In a post on X, the FBI’s Phoenix office wrote: “New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.”
Nancy’s alleged kidnapper is described as male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall, with an average build, the FBI Phoenix office said, while sharing images of the Ozark trailer backpack he was seen wearing in the doorbell footage.
“In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-litre ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.”
“We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” the FBI said, while sharing that they are increasing the reward money to $100K.
“Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” the FBI said.
This updated description comes as the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office are looking to question a man seen carrying an Ozark trailer backpack in surveillance video obtained by TMZ.
The clip showed a man wearing a black Ozark trailer backpack and hoisting another dark blue one above a brick wall around 1:53 am, roughly five miles from Nancy’s home on the same night she disappeared.
“Continue to submit information to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or to help us bring Nancy home,” FBI Phoenix wrote.
FBI blocked from key access to evidence
According to Reuters, citing a law enforcement official, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is blocking FBI access to key evidence in the investigation, impairing its ability to assist in the probe.
The official told Reuters that when the FBI asked Nanos for physical evidence in the case, including a glove and DNA from the home of the 84-year-old to be processed at its national crime laboratory in Quantico, he insisted on using a private lab in Florida.
Outsourcing forensic analysis to a Florida contractor, effectively denying the FBI access to crucial evidence in the case, is delaying the bureau’s ability to assist, according to the official.