FBI describes Nancy Guthrie case suspect, backpack as sheriff asks locals for video
The FBI on Thursday released a new description of the suspect tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The update came as a source alleged the Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not initially request FBI assistance, and that the bureau became involved only after reaching out on its own. Investigators continue to seek public help as the case moves deeper into its second week. Authorities have urged residents to share any relevant security footage that could help track movements in the neighborhood.
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## Law enforcement may be reviewing Ozark Trail backpack purchases at Tucson-area Walmart stores
A law enforcement expert said Friday that investigators are likely examining purchases of Ozark Trail backpacks from Walmart stores across the Tucson area. NBC law enforcement and national intelligence reporter Tom Winter suggested on the “Today” show that, if the bag was bought new, investigators could subpoena Walmart records and generate a list of purchasers over a defined time period. Even cash purchases may still be supported by store transaction logs and, potentially, surveillance video showing the buyer. Such steps could help narrow down leads from a large volume of tips.
The FBI’s Phoenix Office said Thursday that the masked suspect seen in a surveillance video released earlier this week was “wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.” Ozark Trail is a Walmart-owned brand, which may make tracking availability and sales patterns more feasible for investigators. Officials have not publicly confirmed what specific investigative methods are being used. The backpack detail has become one of the most concrete identifiers released to the public so far.
## White House: FBI on the ground, offering “full resources” to bring Guthrie home
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told “Fox & Friends” on Friday that FBI Director Kash Patel assured her the bureau is on the ground in Arizona. Leavitt said the FBI is offering local authorities the “full resources and weight of the federal government” as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues. Her comments followed a question about reports of friction between federal and local agencies. Leavitt noted that for the FBI to take over an investigation, local authorities would need to formally hand it over.
Leavitt said she spoke with Patel late Thursday and was told he had been in Arizona this week. She added that the FBI has released additional information and photo evidence, increased the reward, and is actively working through tips submitted via its tip line. Leavitt also said President Donald Trump offered federal help as soon as the case drew national attention. “Bringing Nancy home is our priority,” she indicated, emphasizing urgency as days pass without an arrest.
Addressing a reported phone call between Trump and Savannah Guthrie—the NBC “Today” show host and Nancy Guthrie’s daughter—Leavitt described it as “very sad and solemn.” She said the president assured the family that the White House and the broader administration were committed to supporting local efforts. Leavitt framed the call as immediate outreach after learning of the disappearance. The administration, she said, continues to view the case as a top priority.
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## Disappearance draws focus to crime concerns in Tucson and the wider region
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills north of Tucson has intensified scrutiny on public safety in the area. The case has also prompted renewed attention to crime in Tucson proper, where large encampments have been described as hubs for meth and other drug activity. Some local voices say criminals exploit the city’s free bus system to facilitate offenses. As investigators pursue thousands of tips tied to surveillance footage, broader concerns about regional crime have gained national visibility.
Fox News Digital spoke with local business owner Josh Jacobson, who works with the nonprofit Tucson Crime Free Coalition. The group advocates for adequate law enforcement staffing, resources, treatment options for people in need, and prosecution for offenders. Jacobson described Pima County as “a relatively lower crime area,” while arguing that Tucson is where crime has “spun out of control.” He said deputies are heavily involved in efforts to “push crime back.”
Jacobson also said encampments associated with drug and criminal activity are located roughly three miles from Guthrie’s home. The proximity has fueled anxiety among residents who view the neighborhood as historically safe. Public attention has grown as the investigation approaches the end of its second week. The masked suspect captured on video at Guthrie’s front steps remains a central focus.
## Weather system expected as FBI says investigation continues
The National Weather Service Tucson said Thursday on X that precipitation is expected across Southeast Arizona on Friday. The agency forecast “widespread valley rain and mountain snow showers” through Friday and Friday night, with isolated thunderstorms possible later Friday. The weather could complicate search conditions in certain terrain and neighborhoods. Still, federal officials stressed their work will not pause.
“The FBI will continue our investigation regardless of weather conditions,” FBI Phoenix public affairs officer Connor Hagan said, according to CNN. He added that bringing Nancy Guthrie home remains the priority. Authorities have continued urging residents to review their own camera footage. Investigators are also working leads generated by public tips.
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## Sheriff denies withholding evidence as FBI seeks access to key items
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has pushed back against allegations that his office is withholding evidence from the FBI. Nanos told KVOA the claims were “not even close to the truth.” A federal law enforcement source previously told Fox News Digital that Nanos was limiting FBI access to key evidence connected to the disappearance of the 84-year-old. Reuters first reported that the FBI requested items including a glove and DNA found inside Guthrie’s home.
Federal officials reportedly sought those materials so they could be processed at the FBI’s national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. The source said Nanos instead wanted the evidence tested at a private lab in Florida. Nanos told KVOA that the Florida lab has worked with his department for years and is analyzing DNA profiles from the scene. He also said discussions took place Thursday morning about possibly sending gloves to the FBI lab.
Nanos described the issue as a question of consolidating testing where existing DNA profiles, markers, and related work are already being processed. He told KVOA that the FBI initially wanted to send “one or two” gloves found nearest the crime scene, and he opposed splitting materials across facilities. “Let’s just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist,” Nanos said, adding that he believed the FBI agreed the approach “makes sense.” The dispute has added public attention to how agencies are coordinating evidence handling.
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## TMZ report: person seeking bitcoin claims to know kidnapper’s identity, fears retaliation
TMZ reported Thursday that a person who emailed the outlet seeking one bitcoin in exchange for the name of Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper sent a follow-up message complaining, “I am not being taken seriously.” According to TMZ, the individual said money would be needed to disappear after providing the name because of fear of retaliation. The person also expressed concern about being “incriminated” like a deliveryman—Carlos—who was detained and later released, TMZ reported. The message was described as the sender’s “second and last attempt.”
During a Thursday night appearance on “Hannity,” TMZ’s Harvey Levin said the sender claimed the bitcoin request was tied to safety and survival. Levin said the person feared becoming, in their words, “a national rat,” and believed they would need resources to “lay low” or go “underground.” Levin also said the letter contained “ominous” elements, while remaining “definitive” about being able to lead authorities to the kidnapper. Officials have not publicly validated the claim.
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## Nancy Grace: identifying a gray truck could be pivotal
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” host Nancy Grace said federal authorities are looking for a gray truck in connection with the disappearance. Grace said investigators have asked people within about a two-mile radius to review video, report sightings, and note whether they or someone they know owns a gray truck. She suggested that questions about truck ownership may indicate investigators are trying to identify a specific vehicle seen on surveillance footage. No make, model, or license plate information has been publicly provided.
Grace said neighbors had mentioned a possible gray truck in the area, though it remains unclear whether it is connected to the case or simply a vehicle observed nearby. She also claimed that investigators may have seen a gray truck on video around questionable times, including both daytime and nighttime footage. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any truck is officially considered a vehicle of interest. Public speculation has grown as the search continues without a suspect in custody.
Grace further suggested the vehicle could be critical because she believes Guthrie was bleeding during the abduction. “I don’t care how much they clean that vehicle, they’re not gonna get rid of all the blood,” she said, arguing that forensic evidence inside a vehicle can be decisive. She referenced other cases in which DNA or trace evidence proved pivotal to solving a crime. Officials have not commented publicly on whether blood evidence is part of the investigative record.
Fox News Digital reported it has reached out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for additional information. Fox News’ Michael Ruiz and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report, as did Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to pursue tips and review footage. Live coverage continues as new updates are released.
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