A leading forensic expert is weighing in on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, suggesting the case may have involved a local worker who wrongly assumed her family had significant wealth.

Speaking over the weekend at CrimeCon Las Vegas, former medicolegal death investigator Barbara Butcher told Fox News Digital that she believes the 84-year-old may have been specifically targeted based on her identity as the mother of Savannah Guthrie.

FBI agents canvassing homes near Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson

“I find it flabbergasting that anyone would take a woman her age,” Butcher said, adding that she suspects someone familiar with the area—possibly a handyman or service worker—may have learned of the family connection and incorrectly assumed they were wealthy. “So this person is not well,” she said.

Butcher also pointed to the absence of a clear ransom demand, saying it raises troubling possibilities about what may have happened in the hours after the alleged abduction. She suggested that Guthrie may have suffered a medical emergency, such as shock or heart-related issues, shortly after being taken from her home.

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“My second thought was that after time, when there was no valid ransom demand or any information forthcoming that it’s probably likely that Mrs. Guthrie died of shock, fright, heart disease, whatever it was, very soon after being taken from her home,” she said.

She further speculated that if that were the case, the suspect may have attempted to conceal evidence by hiding the body before disappearing.

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Nancy Guthrie was reportedly taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Authorities believe the case may involve an abduction linked to ransom demands that were later communicated through media channels, including TMZ, with the family indicating they were prepared to comply.

Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case believes they know kidnapper's motive - BBC News

The case has drawn significant attention due to her connection to Savannah Guthrie, and investigators have since urged the public to come forward with any information. A combined reward exceeding $1.2 million has been offered for credible tips that help resolve the investigation.

Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit anonymous tips through Tucson Crime Stoppers at 1-520-882-7463. Despite ongoing efforts, her whereabouts remain unknown.