While Nancy Guthrie remained missing, investigators involved in her kidnapping have discovered potentially groundbreaking new evidence that may significantly alter the course of the probe and “light a fire on social media,” stated a former FBI agent acquainted with the case on Wednesday.
Nancy Guthrie's personal belongings found
Investigators working on the case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have probably acquired a wealth of information, though it may be of limited usefulness, said retired FBI Special Agent Steve Moore.
“If they had significant information, they would have more progress on the case,” Moore told NewsNation’s Brian Entin.
“I think what you would find is if you could go in and get briefed by four or five different agents who are working it, you would find so much information that ultimately turned out to be of little or no value, but seemed so, so promising at the time."
“It would probably light a fire on social media if the public knew these things and it would light a fire that would not be helpful,” he added.
Moore also suggested that while a single perpetrator could be responsible for the kidnapping, it is just as likely that multiple people played a role in Guthrie's disappearance.
{{/usCountry}}Moore also suggested that while a single perpetrator could be responsible for the kidnapping, it is just as likely that multiple people played a role in Guthrie's disappearance.
{{/usCountry}}Former FBI special agent makes bombshell statement
Retired FBI special agent Mark Lageman, who has experience with high-profile abduction cases, examined the information provided by law enforcement and characterized the recent discoveries as potentially transformative, as per IBT Australia.
“This kind of physical evidence linking a suspect to both the vehicle and the victim's belongings would light a fire on social media if released,” Lageman stated. “In today's environment, one solid piece of forensics can generate millions of tips overnight.”
FBI probing new DNA evidence
The latest update seems to have originated from NewsNation, which reported that the FBI is currently examining new evidence, including hairs discovered in Guthrie’s residence, as per a source familiar with the investigation.
The FBI has chosen not to comment and instead referred to a statement issued by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, which indicated that it has collaborated with the FBI since the onset of this investigation.
The department faced significant backlash later that day after it shared a post stating, “Update: Nancy has been located.” This referred to a different person, Nancy Radakovich, who had been found. The post went viral, accumulating nearly 700,000 views.
Shortly after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the probebe experienced its most significant breakthrough on February 10 when the FBI released video and images of a masked individual approaching her home on the night she vanished. The footage was retrieved from her Google Nest doorbell camera, despite her not being subscribed to a service that archives security video.
The FBI estimated that the people stands between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall with an average physique. He was seen carrying a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, which is exclusively available at Walmart.