FBI Investigates Ransom Note Referencing Broken Floodlight in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
TUCSON, Ariz. — As the search for Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who vanished from her Tucson residence last weekend, enters its second week, investigators have uncovered a potentially significant clue in an alleged ransom note. The note, which was sent to a media outlet, makes explicit reference to a broken floodlight at Guthrie’s home, a detail confirmed by the FBI during their ongoing investigation.
Guthrie was last seen at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, at her home in Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Initially, officials withheld details about the nature of her disappearance, but Sheriff Chris Nanos later confirmed that the case is being treated as a crime, emphasizing that investigators believe Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted.
Federal agents have been meticulously combing through Guthrie’s property, focusing on the outdoor lighting setup. Fox News Digital identified two floodlights mounted outside the house, with an additional two located in the backyard. One of these backyard floodlights was found to be broken, matching the description in the ransom note. The FBI’s involvement includes removing a wired device from the roof of the residence, underscoring the thoroughness of their search.
The specificity of the ransom note’s reference to the floodlight has raised questions about the sender’s proximity to the scene and their knowledge of the property’s layout. Such details are critical in narrowing the pool of suspects and understanding the circumstances surrounding Guthrie’s disappearance. The FBI’s official website outlines their approach to kidnapping cases, emphasizing the importance of timely and detailed evidence collection to resolve such incidents swiftly (FBI Kidnapping Investigations).
Local law enforcement agencies are coordinating closely with federal partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which often assists in cases involving potential ransom demands or violent crimes. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information about the case or suspicious activity near Guthrie’s residence to come forward.
Community members have reported sightings of a mysterious white van near the neighborhood around the time of Guthrie’s disappearance, a lead that authorities are actively pursuing. Additionally, investigators are examining a vehicle of interest that was towed from the vicinity of the home, as reported by local news sources. The FBI has announced plans to revisit the crime scene with fresh eyes, treating the investigation as if it were day one to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Meanwhile, Guthrie’s family has faced distressing developments, including unsolicited messages demanding bitcoin payments, which authorities have linked to the ongoing ransom probe. The FBI cautions the public against engaging with such communications and encourages reporting them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has drawn national attention, with law enforcement agencies and the public hoping for a breakthrough. The case highlights the challenges faced in missing persons investigations, especially when potential criminal elements like ransom demands are involved. As the community awaits answers, authorities continue their exhaustive efforts to locate Guthrie and bring those responsible to justice.
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