This nancy guthrie update summarizes new FBI description, increased reward, and expanding DNA and search efforts.
The FBI released an updated description of the person seen on surveillance video outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, describing a man about 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 with an average build, carrying a black 25-litre Ozark Trail hiker pack, the agency said.
The FBI said it doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or a conviction, and described Guthrie as a vulnerable adult who needs heart medication, the agency added as it sought public tips.
The FBI also said it recovered doorbell camera footage from residual backend data showing a masked, armed man approaching the house, after earlier limitations had hampered investigators, the agency said.
Guthrie, who the FBI and local authorities say is missing from her home near Tucson and was last seen at a daughter’s home for dinner and games, was reported missing after she failed to appear for church, law enforcement said.
A California man, Derrick Callella, has been charged with sending a hoax ransom message to Guthrie’s oldest daughter and son-in-law, authorities said, while the family has acknowledged receiving alleged ransom communications and said they were willing to pay.
Law Enforcement Actions And Evidence Updates
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed a large law enforcement presence at a home near First and Orange Grove that is connected to the investigation, and said the FBI asked that no additional information be released at this time.
Investigators from multiple agencies, including the PCSD, FBI, Marana Police Department, Oro Valley Police Department and Sahuarita Police Department, were seen in the area, and 13 News reported officers examined a silver Range Rover in a restaurant parking lot.
The PCSD said new DNA samples from Guthrie’s home were sent for testing and that the DNA is not from Guthrie or anyone who had close contact with her, and the department said it will not disclose where the DNA was located.
Authorities confirmed several gloves were recovered in the neighborhood and that those items are being tested for DNA, and the PCSD said it is expanding requests for residential video within a two-mile radius of the home.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told 13 News the department and the FBI met and that both agencies want evidence submitted to the same lab for testing, and he said investigators continue to follow up on leads.
The PCSD confirmed a man detained during a traffic stop, Carlos Palazuelos, was later released, and the FBI director said agents are looking for more than one individual as a person of interest, officials reported.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made public pleas for help, with Savannah sharing surveillance images and urging anyone with information to contact the FBI, authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
