Digital Clues Could Crack Guthrie Abduction Case

A digital forensics expert believes that vital clues in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie may lie within digital evidence, even if perpetrators attempted to conceal their tracks. Heather Barnhart, affiliated with Cellebrite and the SANS Institute, noted that criminals often underestimate the persistence of digital breadcrumbs like cell tower data and Wi-Fi logs in our technology-saturated world.

Barnhart pointed to the case of Bryan Kohberger, the convicted killer in the Idaho student murders, where disabling his phone created a distinct digital pattern. She explained that such actions, including turning a phone off before and after a crime, can provide investigators with a specific timeframe to analyze. This strategy might prove equally effective in the Guthrie case, particularly if physical evidence has been obscured.

Even if an abductor attempts to mask their digital presence by turning off their phone or using airplane mode, Barnhart explained that their movements can still be traced. Deviations from normal behavior patterns in an area, especially during unusual hours, can be flagged. Furthermore, she noted that devices might still leave a trace by pinging a Wi-Fi network, even without a full connection, potentially placing them at the scene. Traffic cameras also represent another investigative tool.