Police have announced that they have taken a person into custody for questioning in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Nancy, aged 84, has been missing from her Arizona home since January 31. Authorities suspect she was abducted during the night.
Blood identified as belonging to Nancy was discovered near her home’s steps, and several ransom notes demanding payment for her safe return were sent to major media outlets.
Until recently, investigators had no concrete leads, making this the first time someone has been questioned about the case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department apprehended the individual south of Tucson during a traffic stop. According to ABC News, authorities are now planning to search a location associated with the suspect.
This development follows the release of video footage on Tuesday, which shows a masked individual attempting to alter the camera on Nancy’s front door.
It is not yet confirmed whether the detained individual is the same person seen in the footage.
Authorities have been thorough in their investigation, which included searching the home of Nancy’s daughter, Annie Guthrie.
Annie’s residence, shared with her husband Tommaso Cioni, is about four miles from Nancy’s home in Tucson and was the last place Nancy visited before going missing.
Nancy had a quiet dinner with Annie and Tommaso before being driven home by Cioni.
Sometime after being dropped off, Nancy is believed to have been abducted.
Her family reported her missing on February 1, the day after she failed to attend a scheduled church service.
Following her disappearance, ransom notes demanding bitcoin payments for her return were issued. Despite missing two deadlines, the Guthries eventually stated in a video message: “We will pay.”
The specifics of the payment remain unclear, and Nancy is still missing despite the family’s willingness to pay.
More concerning is Nancy’s health condition. She relies on daily medication, which she currently lacks.
During the search, Savannah explained: “She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
The FBI urges anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.