The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has taken a frustrating turn as a potential breakthrough dissolved into another dead end. For a brief moment, the discovery of a discarded item in a storm drain offered a glimmer of hope to a family desperate for answers.
Unfortunately, investigators have now poured cold water on the significance of the find, leaving the search for the 'TODAY' show host's mother at a standstill. Apparently, the recovered backpack had nothing to do with Nancy's case.
Recovered Backpack Is Not Linked to the Case
Authorities have officially dismissed the possibility that a backpack discovered by volunteers is connected to 84-year-old Nancy's disappearance. The item was thoroughly examined by forensic teams to determine if it held any biological evidence or personal belongings. The contents, however, did not align with anything Nancy was known to have carried on the day she vanished.
Police spokespeople noted that while every item found during community searches is treated with caution, this particular object provided no 'viable lead'. The backpack was reportedly weathered and appeared to have been in the drainage system for longer than the timeline of the disappearance would allow.
'After reviewing the bag and its contents, it does not appear that this is a viable lead for the investigation. The bag appears to have been outside for much longer than three weeks. It also contained identification of a minor within it,' Sheriff's Department spokesman Kevin Adger told reporters. Consequently, the item has been ruled out as a piece of the puzzle.
@cnn CNN's Erin Burnett and John Miller look at how the backpack worn by the suspect in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie could play a role in solving the case.
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Why the Backpack Sparked Immediate Hopes for a Suspect
The initial excitement regarding the backpack stemmed from its proximity to the location where Nancy was last seen. Volunteers scouring the area found the bag, and there was a prevailing expectation that it could contain DNA or a mobile phone that would finally reveal the identity of the person involved.
This surge of optimism was fuelled by the frantic nature of the search efforts, currently involving hundreds of residents. When the discovery was first announced, social media was flooded with theories that the search was nearing its conclusion.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos had announced last week that the backpack could possibly lead them to the suspect, and that the search had been narrowed after learning the item was sold exclusively at Walmart. Nanos added that he had worked with Walmart managers to track the backpack's sales and was hopeful they could find identification within it.
'Can we break it — maybe we'll find a credit card or a bank card,' Nanos said, while noting that the investigation was 'still growing.' 'I think we're getting closer to identifying some of the other articles, not just that backpack — like the shoes, the pants, the shirt, or jacket.'
The subsequent debunking of this lead has served as a sobering reminder of the difficulties the investigative team faces.
Savannah Guthrie's £715,000 Reward
In a bid to obtain information, Savannah Guthrie has announced a £715,000 ($1 million) reward. The sum is intended to encourage anyone, even those with the smallest detail, to come forward and speak with authorities. Despite this, the family is reportedly becoming more open to the 'grim possibility' that Nancy may no longer be alive, and while they hold onto hope, the transition from a rescue mission to a recovery effort seems increasingly likely.
Some TikTok creators had published claims that Nancy's body was found floating in a pod. Authorities swiftly dismissed those reports, saying the videos were 'not accurate' and that the officers featured were not Pima County deputies.
'This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation. As with any investigation, conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts. Speculation, without factual support, does not advance the investigative process,' the Pima County Sheriff's Department said on Monday.
