As the search for Nancy Guthrie moves into its second week, investigators have widened their focus, raising new questions and fresh concerns. Fox News reported that Authorities were seen examining a septic tank behind Nancy’s Tucson, Arizona, home over the weekend.
The activity unfolded as the investigation into the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie continued with no suspects identified.
Officials have not publicly detailed what prompted the search or whether anything was recovered. A former law enforcement official, however, offered insight into why investigators may have taken that step.
Why Investigators Looked at the Septic Tank
A former SWAT team captain suggested the septic system could hold overlooked evidence.
“A lot of people forget that having a septic tank means wastewater doesn’t go into a city sewer, it goes into the tank,” former SWAT team captain Josh Schirard told the Daily Mail.
“So, somebody may have flushed something thinking that would get rid of it, but instead it would actually just be deposited in the septic tank,” he added. “It is a possibility that [investigators] are now trying to make sure that there’s nothing in there that could indicate any kind of guilt.”
Three investigators were observed inspecting the tank Sunday afternoon as the search entered its eighth day.
Search Continues With No Suspects Identified
GettyDespite extensive efforts by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, authorities say they have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
Nancy was last seen Jan. 31, when she was dropped off at her home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to Savannah’s older sister, Annie.
She was reported missing the following day after she failed to attend church.
Investigators have confirmed that the blood found on the front porch of Nancy’s home was a DNA match, deepening concern about her safety as the search continues and days pass without answers.
Ransom Notes Add Pressure to the Investigation
The investigation has grown more urgent following the circulation of unverified ransom notes sent to multiple news outlets. One of the messages reportedly demanded $6 million in bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s return.
Over the weekend, Savannah and her family responded publicly, saying they are prepared to pay the demand if it leads to their mother’s safe return.
The unverified note initially set a payment deadline for Thursday evening and later listed a second deadline of Monday at 5 p.m. local time in Tucson.
Alleged Bitcoin Wallet Shows No Activity
As of Monday morning, an alleged bitcoin account linked to the ransom demand showed no transactions, TMZ reported.
The outlet reported that the account remained empty even as the second deadline approached, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the ransom notes are authentic or whether the bitcoin account is connected to the investigation.
Officials say follow-up work continues at multiple locations as investigators pursue every available lead.
For the Guthrie family, the wait remains agonizing. With no clear answers and time continuing to pass, hope and uncertainty now sit side by side as the search presses on.
