In a new development in the case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, investigators are turning to Walmart for potential leads. The Pima County Sheriff revealed that the suspect in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was seen wearing a backpack that is sold exclusively at Walmart stores.
Nancy Guthrie, age 84, was last spotted at her residence in Arizona on January 31, with a missing person report filed the following day. Authorities have uncovered evidence of her blood on the home’s front porch. Additionally, ransom notes were reportedly sent to media outlets; however, the deadlines for payment have come and gone without resolution.
The FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked individual, armed with a handgun, at Guthrie’s front door in Tucson on the night she disappeared. The video captures a person dressed in a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves, carrying a backpack.
On Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos informed The Associated Press via text that the “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” a 25-liter backpack, is the only item of clothing positively identified from the footage.
“This backpack is a Walmart exclusive, and we are collaborating with Walmart management to generate additional leads,” stated Nanos.
According to a statement from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, while the suspect’s clothing may also have been purchased from Walmart, it is not exclusively available there. They noted that this remains a possibility they are exploring.
Investigators on Sunday announced that a glove discovered near the Guthrie home has been sent for DNA testing. The FBI said that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence and as the search for Guthrie’s mother heads into its third week. Authorities previously said they had not identified a suspect.
The FBI said the suspect in the surveillance footage is a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build.
Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.
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