Nancy Guthrie case update: Could more than one person be responsible for her disappearance? Here’s what a new theory suggests
Investigators are still working through the evidence, but outside experts are starting to piece together what may have happened. An emerging theory suggests that this may not be the work of a single individual.
As the search continued, the focus shifted to the possibility of coordination and what that might mean for the investigation moving forward.
Could more than one suspect be involved?
Kurt Dabb, a retired homicide detective, believes the disappearance likely involved more than one person. Based on his experience, he suggested that a crime of this scale would be difficult to commit by a single person.
“It is possible that the house had been searched before, either by the kidnapper or by an accomplice,” Dabb told Parade during an interview. “Whether they knew there was a camera or not, there was a culmination of their discovery.” He went further to explain that such events often require coordination. “I believe there were between two and four accomplices,” he said, according to a report by Newsweek, adding that logistics pointed to more than one person working together.
“The logistics of something of this magnitude are simply too much for a single person to handle in my professional opinion based on the facts I currently know.”
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What do security cameras reveal?
Authorities released video from a doorbell camera in which a masked, armed man was seen outside Guthrie’s home before he disappeared. The footage became an important part of the investigation.
According to authorities, the suspect spent approximately 40 minutes at the home after the camera was disconnected around 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 1. Shortly thereafter, Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from his cell phone around 2:30 a.m., suggesting Guthrie may have been taken during this window.
Dabb also noted that the individual appeared to have a clear purpose. “I don’t see anything different in the video than what the public knows,” he said. “However, thieves don’t go out with a full backpack to rob a house. This was a kidnapping,” according to a report from Newsweek.
What are researchers focusing on right now?
Authorities did not confirm that more than one suspect was involved, but acknowledged the possibility. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has previously stated that more than one person may be involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to analyze physical evidence collected from the home. Former FBI intelligence analyst Jennifer Doebler said the process was likely detailed and time-consuming.
“They are working with brick-and-mortar and online retailers who likely sold the backpack/clothing the man in the video was wearing, and are following up on any leads that come up,” Doebler explained. “For example, they could subpoena Amazon for every backpack purchase the guy in the video wore in the last year, and then follow all those leads to identify each buyer. Although laborious, this could be very efficient.”
The case also raised concerns about Guthrie’s safety. According to a report from Newsweek, Sheriff Nanos has previously stated that he could face serious health risks without his daily medications.
As the days turned into weeks, the urgency of the investigation increased. As authorities continue to follow every lead, the emerging theory of accomplices adds a new dimension to an unsolved and deeply troubling case.
FAQ
How many suspects could be involved?
One former investigator believes two to four people may have participated.
Have police confirmed more than one attacker?
No, officials say it’s possible, but it hasn’t been officially confirmed.
