Monsoon storms in Arizona may have uncovered new evidence in the six-month investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman taken from her Tucson-area home. Federal investigators have been seen recently searching the brush near her residence in the Catalina Foothills.
Bob Krygier, a retired lieutenant with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, suggested that the heavy rains could have altered the landscape, potentially revealing or displacing evidence that had not been previously noticed. "About a month ago, monsoon season started here in Tucson and a lot of water has come down - a lot of water at once, and it pushes things," Krygier explained. "So it's moved the environment. Rocks have been pushed away." He noted that floodwaters in some areas can rise rapidly with enough force to move vehicles, trees, rocks, and even people.
However, Krygier also posited that investigators might simply be revisiting the crime scene after six months without leads or could be acting on new information that directs them to search for specific items. He indicated that investigators have likely already searched the areas in question.
The renewed search comes as authorities released two ransom notes sent to the Guthrie family. One note, received days after Guthrie's disappearance, stated that she had died and was "buried in nature." The second note also made a death claim before offering an apology. The Pima County Sheriff's Office released the full notes in an effort to have someone recognize the writer's distinctive language or style.
One note contained details such as a broken floodlight in the backyard and a white smartwatch found on the bedroom floor, which authorities believe could indicate authenticity. The notes, received on February 2 and February 6, were turned over to the Pima County Sheriff's Office and the FBI.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that investigators are hoping the unique phrasing in the notes might prompt a witness to come forward. "There are a number of pieces of information in these notes that just might jar someone to say, 'You know, I've heard that,'" Nanos said. He described the investigation as "very active," with detectives examining tens of thousands of tips, videos, and forensic leads.
Authorities also recently announced that two videos recovered from Guthrie's doorbell camera may have been recorded on separate days. The FBI previously released surveillance footage of a masked individual who allegedly tampered with and blocked a front porch camera with a plant. This person was described as a male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall.
Blood was discovered on the front porch of Guthrie's home shortly after her disappearance. While initially downplayed by homicide detectives as potentially resulting from a minor injury, the blood was later collected and confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie's. When her daughter Annie first searched the residence, the back door was found ajar.
The family is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery. The investigation remains ongoing, and it is currently unclear if Guthrie is still alive.