Police have issued an update about the case that saw 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie abducted from her Tucson home. While much of the focus has been on the masked suspect seen in surveillance footage, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has now confirmed that it is not ruling out the possibility that this individual had accomplices.
Nancy was last seen on January 31, was reported missing on February 1 by her family after she missed a church service. Amid the emotional turmoil her family is currently suffering, the investigators searching for the victim have revealed that they are keeping an open mind and will not discount the fact that he may not have been acting alone.
Police Say That Kidnapper May Have Worked With An Accomplice
According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is leading the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance, there is a chance that the kidnapper may have been working with others at some point during the crime.
In a statement released to PEOPLE on Thursday, February 19, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department explained that investigators have not confirmed the alleged kidnapper who was seen on security video was working without help from an accomplice who aided them.
“The sheriff has said all along that while investigators are working to identify the person seen on the doorbell video, they are not ruling out that that was the only person involved,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, another spokesperson confirmed the news with Fox News
They said, “…a spokesperson for the Pima Country Sheriff’s Department said investigators are looking into the possibility that the person may have had an accomplice.”
What Investigators Know About the First Suspect
GettyWhile the suspect who is believed to have taken Nancy has not yet been identified, law enforcement officers do have some information about him. The FBI was able to help gather evidence from doorbell camera footage at Nancy’s home that has gone through forensic analysis.
In the footage, a man can be seen trying to manipulate the doorbell camera, with some of his features clearly visible.
According to investigators, the man is approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall and has an average build. He also has facial hair, in the form of a moustache or beard, and was seen wearing some distinctive clothing. This included a “a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack” with reflective straps, a ski mask, and shiny black gloves.
