TUCSON, Ariz. — In a breakthrough development in the Nancy Guthrie case, a former FBI profiler has suggested that newly unveiled video and forensic evidence could substantially narrow down the search for the suspect. The recent release of photos and video footage might have also increased the stress levels of the suspect, according to experts.
Jim Clemente, a former supervisory special agent and criminal profiler for the FBI, shared with Fox News Digital that forensic evidence gathered from inside the home is likely to be more fruitful compared to evidence from exterior locations, which are subject to environmental exposure.
“The interior of the house offers much more protection for evidence collection,” Clemente explained, indicating that significant findings are expected from inside the residence. He noted that outdoor elements, such as a doormat, are less likely to preserve DNA due to weather conditions. “Wherever the suspect spent time, that’s where clues might be found,” he added.
Clemente also highlighted a potential clue from the surveillance footage: a marking, possibly a tattoo, visible on the suspect’s right wrist.
Released on February 10, 2025, photos show an individual carrying a firearm on Nancy Guthrie’s property. This detail could prove critical in identifying the suspect.
“If it is indeed a tattoo, it will be instrumental in helping investigators both include and exclude persons of interest,” Clemente noted. “It will certainly assist the public in recognizing the suspect.”
He said the suspect appears to be right-handed based on how the gun was positioned in the video.
“He revealed a tremendous amount, so he’s not a professional.”
Clemente said members of the public should watch for behavioral changes in someone they know.
“The public should be looking for somebody who’s been under stress for the last several weeks — who didn’t show up for work, called in sick or bagged out of social responsibilities.”
He also suggested the suspect may attempt to change his appearance or vehicle.
This image released by the FBI shows an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance in Tuscon, Arizona, on Sunday, February 1, 2026. (Provided by FBI)
“He’s probably tried to change his appearance, hide his car — maybe paint it, clean it really thoroughly more than he normally does. And he may have left the area for a last-minute emergency.”
Clemente questioned whether the crime was financially motivated, pointing to the amount of time the suspect appeared to spend inside the home.
“If his goal was to go in and get out, then he failed at that,” Clemente said. “It may indicate that his goal was something else and this became an afterthought or the result of something going wrong.”
An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie was provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of the “Today” show host. (Courtesy of NBC)
Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported a surge in calls after the FBI released the footage.
Spokeswoman Angelica Carrillo said Wednesday the agency received 4,000 calls in the past 24 hours, though she clarified that not all of them were connected to the Guthrie case.
Carrillo also confirmed that several hundred agents and detectives are currently assigned to the investigation.
In a statement, the FBI said it continues to seek the public’s help.
“We appreciate the assistance and support we have received from the Tucson community. The FBI continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie. You can help by submitting tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI,” the agency said.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
