Police in Arizona say family members of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie have been cleared of suspicion as investigators continue an intensive search now entering its third week.
Authorities stressed that relatives remain victims in the case, condemning online speculation targeting the family of Savannah Guthrie, the NBC news presenter and daughter of the missing woman.
Investigators defend the family
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said the family had shown full co-operation throughout the investigation and described accusations circulating on social media as cruel and unfounded.
Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News the statement aimed to protect innocent people from online attacks, adding that kindness and support for victims should guide public response.
No suspects as search expands
The search for Nancy Guthrie began after police said she was taken from her home in the early hours of 1 February. Investigators found blood on the porch floor and recovered doorbell camera footage showing a masked man wearing gloves and a backpack.
Forensic analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation suggested the suspect stands about 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall with an average build. Officials believe he purchased the mask and backpack at Walmart and have been reviewing surveillance footage from nearby stores.
Detectives also recovered a glove believed to match those worn by the suspect and created a DNA profile of an unknown male for entry into a national FBI database, which could reveal a match linked to a prior arrest.
Public appeals and new technology
In a video message on Sunday, Savannah Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward, saying her family still hopes for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
Since the disappearance, federal and local authorities have deployed helicopters, sniffer dogs and hundreds of officers while processing thousands of public tips. Investigators executed a search warrant at a home two miles away on Friday but made no arrests.
Law enforcement sources said officers are now using a device capable of detecting signals from Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker. Mounted on a helicopter, the technology could help pinpoint her location if she remains within range.
Timeline of disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of 31 January after a family member dropped her home following a gathering at her daughter Annie’s house.
Members of her church noticed her absence the next day and alerted relatives, triggering the investigation that continues to focus on locating her and identifying the suspect responsible.
Also read: Nancy Guthrie abduction mystery deepens
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
