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Missing Author Case: Key Evidence Withheld from FBI
13 Feb
Summary
- FBI blocked from accessing crucial evidence in abduction case.
- Reward increased to $100,000 for information on suspect.
- Dispute over lab choice delays evidence analysis in investigation.
The search for missing 84-year-old author Nancy Guthrie has entered its eleventh day, involving over 100 individuals, including the FBI. Authorities suspect abduction from her home while she slept. A substantial reward of USD 100,000 is offered for information leading to the alleged abductor, for whom a photo and identifying details have been released.
A significant hurdle has emerged as the Pima County Sheriff's Department reportedly blocked the FBI from accessing key physical evidence, such as collected glove and DNA samples. The Sheriff's Department insists on using a private lab in Florida, while the FBI prefers their national crime lab in Virginia, arguing it's the fastest route to answers.
This disagreement is causing delays in the analysis of crucial evidence. A retired FBI agent expressed surprise at the prolonged FBI involvement and stressed that inter-agency friction is unhelpful. While no prime suspect has been identified, theories range from wrong-address home invasions to revenge motives, though cartel ties have been considered unlikely.
