Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has taken a heartbreaking new turn after a former detective shared his interpretation of evidence found at the scene of the 84-year-old's suspected abduction.
Savannah Guthrie's mom has been missing since February 1 after authorities say she was taken from her Arizona home during the early hours of the morning.
Despite an extensive investigation, thousands of public tips and months of searching, investigators have yet to identify a suspect or determine what happened to the beloved grandmother.
© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaNow, former detective Jon Buehler has revealed why he fears the outcome may be far worse than many had hoped.
Speaking to NewsNation's Brian Entin, Jon said several factors from the early stages of the investigation have led him to believe that Nancy may not have survived the ordeal.
"The reason I'm fearful she didn't survive the abduction is kind of twofold," he explained.
Jon pointed first to the lack of communication from any potential kidnapper.
© Getty Images"No. 1, no instantaneous demand for a reward with indication that she's fine and that they'll release her," he said. "That's a pretty big stretch there to think that she survived it."
The former detective also highlighted reports of blood discovered at the scene, which he believes raises additional concerns.
"But the amount of blood that was present there in the front of the house suggests to me a wound that was bleeding a lot, probably not arterial, but bleeding a lot," he continued.
Jon noted that Nancy's age and reported health issues could have made an already frightening situation even more dangerous.
"With poor health and age on a pacemaker in fear, and him trying to get her to comply, that's why I just don't think she survived it," he said.
The comments come as authorities continue to search for answers in a case that has baffled investigators for months.
Nancy was reported missing after what police believe was a late-night abduction from her home. Since then, law enforcement agencies have pursued thousands of leads and tips from members of the public, but no arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly identified.
The disappearance has drawn widespread attention across Arizona and beyond, with family members and investigators continuing to appeal for information that could help solve the mystery.
© FBIWhile Jon stressed that his assessment is based on his professional interpretation of the available evidence and not inside knowledge of the case, his comments show the growing concern surrounding Nancy's fate.
For loved ones still searching for answers, hope remains that someone knows what happened in the hours surrounding her disappearance.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Nancy's whereabouts or the person, or people, responsible for her disappearance to come forward.
The FBI has asked anyone with relevant information to contact its tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
