Investigators handling the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, reportedly gave "little regard" to dried blood found on her front porch in the hours following her Feb. 1 abduction, according to sources within the Pima County Sheriff's office. The blood was later confirmed to be Guthrie's and is now believed to be connected to her kidnapping. No suspects have been arrested in the case.
These details emerged as Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, marked the six-month anniversary of her mother's disappearance with a heartfelt public plea. Savannah described the family's ongoing agony and determination to find answers.
"Six months ago, someone took her out of her bed in the dead of night. We have lived every moment, every breath, and every heartbeat in agony and despair ever since," Savannah wrote on Instagram, as reported by The Today Show. She added that her family is "trying to be strong" but their "hearts are in ruins."
Sources told The Wall Street Journal that detectives, led by Sgt. David Stivers, initially dismissed the porch blood, theorizing it could have resulted from a minor injury like a nosebleed or bumped head. The back door of Guthrie's home was also found propped open by her daughter when she first searched the premises.
Authorities released two ransom notes sent to the Guthrie family days after the abduction. One note demanded $4 million, while a second, in a similar tone, claimed Guthrie had died and was "buried in nature now," before offering an apology. The notes contained specific details about Guthrie's home, including a broken floodlight and a smartwatch found on her bedroom floor, which suggested a degree of authenticity.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that releasing the notes was an effort to elicit recognition of the writer's unique language or style from the public. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives reviewing thousands of tips and leads.
Two videos from Guthrie's doorbell camera may show an unidentified male preparing before her abduction. Authorities are seeking information on anyone exhibiting unusual behavior, altering their appearance, leaving the Tucson area suddenly, or showing an unexplained interest or disinterest in the case.
The FBI previously released surveillance footage of a masked individual who appeared to tamper with a camera on Guthrie's front porch. The individual was described as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall.
The family is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery. Authorities have not confirmed whether she is still alive.