Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie Uses Pacemaker Signals in Tucson Desert

Police are using special 'signal sniffers' to find missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie by searching for signals from her pacemaker. This is a new way to search for missing people.
By Newsroom | Crime, Missing Persons, Technology |

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman, has been missing for over three weeks. Investigators are using specialized technology to detect signals from her pacemaker in hopes of finding her. The disappearance has drawn public attention, amplified by her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, a well-known television host.

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Timeline of Events and Key Details

Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on January 1 and reported missing shortly after. Around 2:28 a.m. on February 1, her pacemaker was disconnected from her phone's app. This critical time frame is when investigators believe an event may have occurred. Doorbell camera footage from Guthrie's home captured a person on her porch wearing a mask, gloves, and a backpack.

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Investigation Efforts

Law enforcement agencies, including the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, are actively involved. The search has utilized high-tech equipment, described as "signal sniffers," designed to detect Bluetooth signals.

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  • Aerial Searches: Helicopters have been deployed to fly in grid patterns over the Tucson desert, equipped with these signal detectors. The goal is to pick up any signal emitted by Guthrie's pacemaker.

  • Technology Deployment: The FBI's advanced Bluetooth signal detector, also known as a signal sniffer, has been specifically utilized. This device operates on a larger scale than a typical personal device, aiming to locate the pacemaker's telemetry data.

  • Collaboration: Tech companies such as Apple and Google have been contacted. Google's Nest doorbell camera provided crucial footage of a person at Guthrie's residence.

Evidence Collected and Status

Forensic evidence has been gathered, including DNA samples from Guthrie's property. Some DNA found does not match Guthrie or known associates, suggesting a possible unknown party. Despite these efforts, investigators have not yet identified a suspect.

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  • Doorbell Camera Footage: Shows a masked individual on Guthrie's porch.

  • Pacemaker Disconnection: The device's disconnection from her phone's app at 2:28 a.m. is a significant data point.

  • Purported Ransom Notes: Several notes demanding bitcoin payments for information about Nancy have been sent to media outlets. Authorities are working to confirm their authenticity.

The Role of the Pacemaker

Investigators view Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker as a potentially crucial piece of evidence. Its ability to send telemetry data means it could act as an "unbiased witness."

  • Signal Detection: The pacemaker emits signals that investigators hope to intercept, much like waiting for a Bluetooth connection request, but on a much broader scale.

  • Health Concerns: Guthrie's family and authorities have emphasized her reliance on the pacemaker and daily medications due to her health conditions, including limited mobility. They have publicly implored potential abductors to consider her needs.

Public Appeals and Family Involvement

Nancy Guthrie's family has made multiple public pleas for her safe return. Her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, has shared messages on social media and appeared in video appeals with her siblings. Sheriff Chris Nanos has pushed back against any suggestions of family involvement in the disappearance.

Expert Insights

One analyst noted that the process of using signal sniffers is akin to walking around with a cellphone and waiting for a Bluetooth connection, but amplified for a large-scale search. The technology attaches to helicopters, expanding the search radius.

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Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

The search for Nancy Guthrie is ongoing. Key questions remain regarding the identity of the individual captured on the doorbell camera and the origin and validity of the ransom notes.

  • Suspect Identification: No suspect has been named, although DNA evidence has been collected.

  • Pacemaker Signal: The success of the signal detection technology in locating Guthrie is yet to be determined.

  • Motivation: The motive behind the disappearance and the potential connection to the ransom notes are under investigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are police using pacemaker signals to search for Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing for over three weeks. Police are using special tools called 'signal sniffers' to detect signals from her pacemaker, hoping it will help them find her location.
Q: When was Nancy Guthrie last seen and when did her pacemaker signal stop?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 1st. Her pacemaker stopped sending signals to her phone's app around 2:28 AM on February 1st. This time is important for the investigation.
Q: What technology is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie?
Police, including the FBI, are using advanced Bluetooth signal detectors, called 'signal sniffers.' These devices are attached to helicopters to cover large areas of the Tucson desert, looking for any signal from her pacemaker.
Q: What other evidence do police have in the search for Nancy Guthrie?
Police have doorbell camera footage showing a masked person on Nancy Guthrie's porch. They have also collected DNA samples, and some notes demanding money have been sent to news outlets, but their truth is not confirmed.
Q: What are the next steps in finding Nancy Guthrie?
The search is still happening. Police are trying to identify the person seen on the camera and figure out if the notes are real. They hope the pacemaker signal technology will help them find her.
Q: Why is Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker important to the search?
Her pacemaker sends out data, which investigators see as a way to find her, like an 'unbiased witness.' They hope to intercept these signals to track her movements or current location.