TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Following the release of surveillance videos featuring a masked figure on Nancy Guthrie's porch, an Arizona sheriff's department received over 4,000 calls within just 24 hours. While many of these tips may be unhelpful, law enforcement officials recognize that some could provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation of Guthrie's disappearance, which has persisted for nearly two weeks in the Tucson area.
Recent developments in the case prompted authorities to block off a road two miles from Guthrie's home, with a significant presence of Pima County Sheriff's and FBI vehicles, including forensic teams. According to Sheriff Chris Nanos, this activity is directly related to the investigation surrounding Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Roberto Villaseñor, a former Tucson police chief, emphasized the importance of public tips in advancing the case. "You really cannot do what’s been done without tips and public input," he stated, highlighting the need for additional information after the initial investigation phase.
Since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, the Pima County sheriff and the FBI have made available dedicated phone numbers and a website for tips. The FBI has received over 13,000 tips, while the sheriff's department has logged at least 18,000 calls. Each tip is carefully assessed for credibility and relevance by law enforcement, which treats the process as a continuous, round-the-clock operation.
Efforts to gather evidence have revealed several gloves found about two miles from Guthrie's residence, which have been submitted for DNA analysis. Investigators are also analyzing DNA collected from Guthrie's property that is not linked to her or her known associates, aiming to identify its origin. The sheriff's office has affirmed its collaboration with the FBI, stating that a strong partnership remains vital to the investigation's success.
In a community effort, many individuals have gathered at KVOA-TV in Tucson, an NBC affiliate, to sign a large banner encouraging the return of Nancy Guthrie. Locals have expressed their concern and solidarity, underscoring a community feel intensified by Guthrie's connection to a well-known family.
Historically, tips have played a crucial role in solving many significant crimes in the U.S. Notably, tips led to the identification of the "Unabomber," Ted Kaczynski, in 1995, when family members recognized his writing style in published materials. Similarly, other cases, such as the murders of three Florida women in 1989 and the unsolved disappearance of a baby in Detroit in 2001, were resolved through public-generated information.
The investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 resulted in around 40,000 tips. Although none of these directly led to the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, officers involved highlighted the importance of public participation in sustaining their investigative efforts while awaiting further evidence.
Experts like Lt. Darren Gilbertson of the Idaho State Police noted that much of the initial tip vetting is handled by the FBI, with agents able to distinguish credible information from less relevant claims. Tips have led to a diverse array of reports, ranging from plausible sightings to outlandish theories. For instance, Gilbertson recalled absurd suggestions received during previous cases, showcasing the mixed quality of public input.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, authorities remain hopeful that the released videos and tips will yield fruitful leads. The FBI has identified a suspect depicted in the porch surveillance footage as a man approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build, wearing a ski mask and gloves.
Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to reach out to the authorities using the provided contact numbers and websites for tips.
