Retired FBI agent Jason Pack has revealed significant errors in the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation concerning the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. These include early missteps, such as not adequately securing the crime scene from reporters and delivery drivers. He has also analyzed chilling ransom notes that paint a troubling timeline in the ongoing kidnapping case.
Lisa Miller, a veteran retired investigator from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, notes that releasing an offender’s words publicly is a rare strategic choice for law enforcement. Although not part of the investigation, she has been closely following the case.
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1. Investigators consider it a possible abduction.
The strategy is reminiscent of the 1995 Unabomber case, where the FBI published Ted Kaczynski’s manifesto, hoping someone would recognize the writing. David Kaczynski and Linda Patrik did, leading to his arrest in 1996.
Recently, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released two notes, deemed possibly credible in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. The notes exhibit a “unique linguistic style,” suggesting they come from the same sender.
Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff, stated there’s no indication that a recent Tucson home invasion and sexual assault are linked to Guthrie’s disappearance. However, the notes contain language that might trigger recognition in someone familiar with the writer.
According to Miller, the notes feature comma-spliced statements and emotionally charged phrasing, pointing to the sender’s distinct style. These notes might not match the length or linguistic detail of the Unabomber’s manifesto but still offer clues.
Authorities are seeking information about the masked intruder seen on Guthrie’s doorbell camera during her abduction and the author of the ransom notes.
Information can be reported to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or anonymously at 520-88-CRIME. The combined reward in this case totals over $1.2 million, unclaimed as of six months after Guthrie’s kidnapping.