Investigators Warn Storm Could Wash Away Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Search

Law enforcement officials working the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie say incoming storms threaten to compromise outdoor evidence collected near her Catalina Foothills home. With scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms forecast for Tucson, investigators are racing to secure material that could be damaged by rain, hail or runoff.

Weather poses immediate risk to outdoor evidence

Forecasters in Tucson predict scattered rain showers during the day with isolated thunderstorms mainly in the afternoon and into the evening, with the potential for moderate rainfall rates and small hail. Officials warned heavier rain could lead to significant ponding on roads, water running in normally dry washes, and minor street flooding — conditions that can quickly degrade or destroy trace evidence.

The National Institute of Justice notes that "destruction or deterioration of evidence due to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow and wind are problems associated with outdoor scenes, " and that material which cannot be protected should be "collected expeditiously without compromising its integrity. " Investigators say that guidance is driving an accelerated schedule in the field.

What investigators have already recovered

Authorities have recovered several items of evidence from the scene, including gloves. Investigators say all viable evidence will be submitted for laboratory analysis as part of the ongoing probe. Officials emphasize that protecting chain of custody and the integrity of fragile materials is a priority as personnel work against the clock and the weather.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said there were indications at the scene that Guthrie "did not leave on her own. " He also stressed that Guthrie requires daily medication, which could be life-threatening if she went more than 24 hours without it.

Community asked to share footage and keep watch

The sheriff's office is seeking video footage from residents that includes vehicles, vehicle traffic, pedestrians or anything deemed out of the ordinary from January 1 through February 2. Alerts were sent to users within a two-mile radius of Guthrie's residence urging people to verify legitimate requests before sharing video, and the department warned that legitimate requests will appear with the department's verified identifier.

Officials say detectives and agents will continue to follow up on viable leads throughout the community and that residents should expect to see a heightened law enforcement presence as the investigation continues.

New suspect description from released footage

Investigators released video showing a man wearing a ski mask approaching Guthrie's front door the night she went missing. The individual is described as a male about 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 with an average build. Federal agents and local detectives continue to analyze that footage and other evidence as they work to identify and locate the person seen on camera.

FBI public affairs officer Connor Hagan said, "The FBI will continue our investigation regardless of weather conditions. Bringing Nancy home is our priority. "

Reporting on the ground and the path forward

Journalists and investigators remain on the ground in Tucson as the case approaches a higher level of national attention. Reporter Brian Entin said he arrived in Tucson on Monday, February 2, and described the mood among local reporters as intensely personal: many covering the scene know members of the Guthrie family or have connections in the journalistic community.

Officials stress that while the weather is complicating fieldwork, the investigative plan includes rapid evidence collection, expanded canvassing of the neighborhood, and continued appeals for public tips. As the forecast moves in, the emphasis is on preserving what can be preserved and following up on any leads that may help locate Guthrie and resolve this case.