Volunteers Continue Search for Missing Arizona Woman Nancy Guthrie as Police Review New Discovery

Authorities may be preparing to reduce the scope of the official search for missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie, but community volunteers remain determined to continue their efforts.

Frustrated by limited answers and the passage of time, local residents have intensified independent search operations near her Tucson-area home.

Groups of volunteers have been combing desert ditches, storm drains, and homeless encampments in hopes of uncovering any clue that could move the investigation forward.

Community-Led Efforts Gain Momentum

The 84-year-old disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement and federal authorities.

As official search operations evolved, volunteers stepped in to expand the physical search across surrounding areas.

Many of those involved have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of visible progress.

Rather than wait for developments, they have organized their own ground searches, focusing on nearby locations that might have been overlooked.

Backpack Discovered in Storm Drain

On Sunday morning, those volunteer efforts appeared to yield a potentially significant discovery.

A torn black backpack was located approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence.

The item was found around 11 a.m. inside a storm drain that also serves as a homeless encampment.

The site is situated just off West Orange Grove Road near State Route 77, a short drive from the missing woman’s home.

Swift Law Enforcement Response

Volunteer Catherine Lopez discovered the backpack inside the tunnel and immediately contacted the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy reportedly arrived within roughly 15 minutes of the call.

Photographs from the scene showed Lopez carefully lifting the torn backpack with a stick while speaking with authorities by phone.

Another image captured a deputy wearing gloves while collecting the bag near a patrol vehicle.

Two homeless individuals were reportedly inside the drain at the time of the discovery but fled when deputies arrived.

Initial Assessment of the Backpack

Investigators initially stated that the backpack did not appear to match the one previously seen in surveillance footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home.

The earlier bag had been described as a black Ozark Trail Hiker model sold exclusively at Walmart.

Because of that description, authorities were cautious about drawing any immediate conclusions regarding the newly found item.

Official Statement on the Discovery

Later, sheriff’s department spokesman Kevin Adger addressed the development in a statement.

”The backpack that was located by volunteers yesterday was collected by a deputy and examined at a nearby substation. After reviewing the bag and its contents, it does not appear that this is a viable lead for the investigation. The bag appears to have been outside for much longer than three weeks. It also contained identification of a minor within it.”

The statement indicated that investigators determined the item was unlikely to be connected to the disappearance.

The presence of identification belonging to a minor further complicated the situation but did not tie the bag directly to the ongoing case.

Additional Item Located Nearby

In addition to the backpack, a glove was reportedly discovered nearby off North First Avenue.

The glove has now been added to the growing list of items under review by investigators.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the glove has any connection to the case.

New Details About Possible Suspect Activity

While volunteers continued their physical search efforts, new information emerged regarding a potential suspect.

A law enforcement source told CBS News that the suspected abductor may have been seen at Nancy Guthrie’s front door prior to the night she disappeared.

The FBI had previously released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual carrying a backpack.

The individual was described as the primary suspect in the investigation.

Questions Surrounding Timeline of Sightings

According to the CBS source, the same man may have appeared at Guthrie’s doorstep on another occasion before her disappearance.

However, local authorities have not confirmed whether the sightings occurred on separate days.

Images aired by CBS and credited to the FBI appear to show a masked man without a backpack captured by the home’s Nest doorbell camera.

The exact timing of that footage remains unclear.

ABC News was first to report the development regarding the possible earlier sighting.

Officials Urge Caution

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has emphasized that the images lack a date or timestamp.

Officials cautioned that any claims suggesting the images were taken on different days are “purely speculative.”

Investigators have stated that the case remains active and that conclusions will be based solely on verified evidence.

Authorities continue to evaluate available footage and physical evidence as they attempt to piece together the timeline.

Belief of a Targeted Kidnapping

Law enforcement officials have indicated that they believe Nancy Guthrie was the victim of a targeted kidnapping.

The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised numerous unanswered questions.

Despite extensive search efforts and the release of surveillance images, the case has not yet produced definitive answers.

Family’s Plea for Information

Guthrie’s family has repeatedly called for her safe return.

They have publicly requested proof that she is alive.

The emotional toll of the uncertainty has weighed heavily on those closest to her.

Each new development has brought renewed hope, followed by continued uncertainty.

Community Refuses to Give Up

Even as authorities evaluate the possibility of scaling back official search operations, volunteers have shown no signs of slowing down.

The discovery of the backpack, although ultimately deemed unrelated, has reinforced their commitment to continue searching.

Community members say they remain determined to examine areas surrounding Guthrie’s home and nearby roadways.

Their efforts reflect a shared desire to bring clarity and closure to a case that has deeply affected the local community.

An Investigation Still in Motion

The case remains under active investigation.

Authorities continue to analyze physical evidence, surveillance footage, and witness information.

While the backpack discovery did not yield a breakthrough, it highlighted the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and concerned residents.

For now, the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie continues to prompt both official investigation and grassroots action.

As new details emerge and evidence is reviewed, the community remains focused on one goal: finding answers and securing her safe return.