Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper may have made a series of mistakes that could ultimately reveal his identity, a former FBI profiler has claimed, as the search for the 84-year-old Arizona woman entered another month this week. The case, which has gripped the US since her reported abduction from home, is now being re-examined through fresh forensic analysis of blood found at the scene.
Guthrie, the mother of US television journalistSavannah Guthrie, was taken from her Arizona home months ago by amasked man armed with a gun, according to investigators. Police released surveillance footage showing the suspect outside her property and appealed for public help. Since then, the investigation has expanded to include thousands of tips, extensive video trawls and continuing DNA tests, but there has been no public confirmation of a breakthrough.
The latest focus in the case comes fromformer FBI supervisory special agent Jim Clemente, who has been examining the physical evidence around Guthrie's front porch.
Clemente toldFox Newsthat blood found at Guthrie's doorway points to a disturbing but potentially useful conclusion for investigators. Based on the pattern of the stains and droplets, he believes she was alive and conscious during at least part of the abduction.
'We also know at least that she was alive at that time,' he said, referring to the blood at the entrance. He added that investigators found droplets at the threshold and a trail leading towards the driveway.
In Clemente's view, that trail suggests a struggle began near the front door rather than a swift and silent removal. He said Guthrie may have fallen or been forced close to the ground, adding that the pattern indicates she 'must have aspirated and then coughed up blood with her face very close to the ground'. He argued that was unlikely to have happened if two people had already been carrying her.
From that blood evidence, Clemente believes the abduction was likely carried out by a single suspect. That matters because it could help shape investigators' view of the offender's physical ability, movement and the likelihood that he left behind identifying traces.
In Clemente's assessment, the man seen in the surveillance footage does not appear to be a polished or experienced criminal. He described the offender as erratic and inexperienced, saying the scene and the behaviour around it suggest 'ineptness and non-professional behaviour'.
'He isnot a sophisticated offender. He was sort of bumbling his way through this, and he made other mistakes, and I believe those mistakes will directly lead to his capture,' Clemente said.
He also offered a theory about what may have happened inside Guthrie's home before she was taken outside. Although investigators have not released a full reconstruction, Clemente toldFox Newshe believes the suspect confronted Guthrie in her bedroom and threatened her with a gun to force her downstairs.
Source: International Business Times UK
