A former NYPD hostage negotiator believes Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance shows signs of a coordinated crime rather than a spontaneous act. Wallace Zeins, who spent years handling abductions, says the circumstances suggest more than one person was involved in taking the 84-year-old from her Tucson home.
Speaking in a TV interview, Zeins pointed to Nancy’s age and physical condition as key factors. “She is 150 pounds, 5 feet 5, waking up in the middle of the night, not in the best health, cannot walk or run,” he said. Based on that, Zeins added, “I would think there is more than one person involved in this particular crime.”
Investigators have confirmed that Nancy was last seen Saturday night, January 31, after dinner with her daughter Annie and was dropped off around 9:30 p.m. Concern grew when she missed church Sunday morning, something family members say never happened. She was reported missing by midday.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has ruled out confusion or dementia. “She is as sharp as a tack,” he said. “Her family wants everybody to know this is not somebody that just wandered off.” Deputies found Nancy’s Apple Watch left behind, and a law-enforcement source said her pacemaker stopped syncing with it around 2:00 a.m. Sunday. Video showing what appears to be blood outside her front door has circulated, though police have not confirmed its source.
As the case intensified, Sheriff Nanos issued a direct plea. “Just call us. Let her go. Just call us,” he said. “We do not need another bad, tragic ending.” Detectives are analyzing fingerprints and DNA and trying to determine whether a vehicle was used and why a security camera appears to be missing.
The investigation took another turn when media outlets reported receiving alleged ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin. Savannah Guthrie was shown the notes, though details remain unconfirmed. In a video message, she addressed whoever may be responsible, saying, “We are ready to talk,” and added, “We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.”
