Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie case are likely trying to trace four items seen in photos and videos of a potential subject released on Tuesday, according to a retired FBI agent.
"The specific backpack style, clothing brands, shoe type, even the ski mask pattern -- all of these are traceable through retail purchases, particularly if bought locally," Gregory Vecchi, retired FBI special agent/criminal investigator, told Newsweek. "The FBI will be canvassing sporting goods stores, tactical supply outlets, and online purchase records."
Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over a week, and her disappearance continues to receive national attention. She was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
Alleged ransom notes were sent to multiple news outlets after her disappearance. A person has also been detained for questioning.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference last week that there were things at the crime scene that indicated Nancy "did not leave on her own." The sheriff has also said Nancy needs daily medication, and it could be fatal if she did not have the medication every 24 hours.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department released surveillance photos and videos of a potential subject on Tuesday as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy.
The agencies said they worked closely with private sector partners to recover any images or video footage from Nancy's home "that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors, including the removal of recording devices." Law enforcement said the new video was recovered from "residual data located in backend systems."
"Working with our partners, as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance," the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department said on Tuesday.
Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI special agent, told Newsweek that investigators will examine every item of clothing the potential subject was wearing and whether it can be traced to any purchases.
"We might not recognize it, but somebody else familiar with this person, they might recognize how this person is dressed," Coffindaffer said.
Vecchi said the individual in the video appears to be "a white or light-skinned male with an average to stocky build."
"He's wearing light-colored pants, sneakers, a light jacket, gloves, and a gray or tan ski mask. He's also carrying a backpack. You can clearly see a firearm in the appendix carry position. He's right-hand dominant, as evidenced by his weapon-carry position and how he manages his equipment," Vecchi said.
Vecchi said investigators will also likely run the images of this individual through the facial recognition systems.
"Even with the mask, the visible eye structure, possible mustache, and body mechanics can generate investigative leads," Vecchi said.
He said he would also look for "similar operational signatures" in other cases, including unsolved home invasions, stalking incidents and workplace violence threats in the Tucson area.
"He likely has local connections, and someone in his circle knows something that can break this case open," Vecchi said.
Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI special agent, told Newsweek on Tuesday, "His height and shoe size are going to be determined."
Savannah Guthrie posted on Instagram on Tuesday: "Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home."
The White House, on X: "The President encourages any American across the country with any knowledge of this suspect to please call the FBI who continue to assist state and local authorities. The prayers of the entire White House are with the Guthrie family."
Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.