The FBI’s Phoenix office has released an updated description of a man seen in doorbell camera footage connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and increased the reward for information leading to her recovery to $100,000. The man is described as about 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, according to CNN. Officials said the clearer description is meant to sharpen public focus and reduce the flood of unverified tips.
Since early February, investigators have received more than 13,000 tips and nearly 18,000 calls. Authorities noted that outreach from “psychics, mystics, and clairvoyants,” though often well-intentioned, has complicated efforts to prioritize credible leads. Nearly two weeks after 84-year-old Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, officials are carefully reviewing information while urging the public to concentrate on relevant details.
Investigators have asked residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home to submit surveillance footage, especially from January 11 between 9 p.m. and midnight and January 31 between 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. They are also interested in reports of suspicious vehicles around 10 a.m. At least one unconfirmed tip involves a white van.
Authorities are analyzing physical evidence, including a glove found about a mile and a half from Guthrie’s home. Forensic testing may include fingerprint and DNA analysis, though officials caution it could be unrelated. A 36-year-old man, Carlos Palazuelos, was briefly detained and questioned but denied involvement and was released.
The FBI says bringing Guthrie home safely remains the top priority. The updated description and increased reward reflect a focused effort to generate actionable information while carefully reviewing all leads.