A former police chief believes that law enforcement may be deliberately limiting the release of information as the search for Nancy Guthrie intensifies.
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead told Fox News on Saturday that the “high-profile nature” of this case is definitely a challenge for the authorities.
“In my 38 years in this profession, I have never heard of the president of the United States weigh in within 48 hours of a missing person investigation,” Halstead said. “With that said, challenges with law enforcement are the strategic focus of the investigation, and then making sure that too much information is not released.”
Halstead added that collecting data, looking at potential isolated targets, and leads must be done “exactly right.”
Former Police Chief Believes Law Enforcement Keeps Its Cards Close to the Vest
Halstead believes authorities are deliberately keeping key details under wraps and expects a significant breakthrough before the case enters a quieter phase.
“I would imagine throughout this weekend, by the time we get to Monday or Tuesday, they’re going to have some strong evidentiary leads,” Halstead pointed out. “And then they will go very, very quiet as they focus on those isolated leads and [build] a strong case against the perpetrator and/or suspects involved.”
Halstead noted that while law enforcement has the tools to trace the ransom notes, identifying the sender will take time.
“It is not instantaneous, but rest assured that they are going to have some significant technology advancements as to those ransom notes and the other email-based communications,” Halstead added.
The former police chief also said the vehicle seized from Nancy’s residence was likely taken for evidentiary purposes and that details surrounding it will likely be made public once an arrest is made.
Ransom Deadline Nears
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the $6 million ransom demand for Nancy’s safe return. CNN affiliate KGUN reported that the alleged kidnappers threatened Nancy’s life if the 5 p.m. Monday deadline isn’t met.
On Sunday, former hostage negotiator Dan O’Shea said the approaching ransom deadline “doesn’t mean the end of the story” but rather marks the “next chapter.”
“They don’t even have a person of interest at this point, which makes it even harder,” O’Shea said on Fox News.
He continued, “So just the fact that there’s a deadline tomorrow at five o’clock, that doesn’t mean the end of the story. I just think it would be the the next chapter, frankly.”
On February 7, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released a new video message, telling the abductors that they are willing to pay the ransom.
