Nancy Guthrie: FBI identifies ‘Ozark Trail’ backpack as key clue in search

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. – The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, marking the first time federal investigators have released a formal suspect description in the case.

The FBI released an image of a backpack on Feb. 12 it believes the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case wore during her apparent abduction. (Courtesy: FBI)

What we know:

Following a forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage from Guthrie’s home, authorities described the suspect as a man standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build.

In the surveillance video, the man is seen carrying a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.” The backpack is a private-label brand sold primarily at Walmart stores or through the retailer’s website.

Since Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, the FBI has received more than 13,000 tips. Officials hope the specific details regarding the suspect’s physical stature and equipment will help narrow the scope of future leads.

Dig deeper:

However, a high-level FBI source characterized the early handling of the investigation as “insane,” telling Fox News Digital that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not initially request federal assistance.

According to the source, the FBI initiated contact on Feb. 2, nearly two days after Guthrie vanished, and described their initial involvement as “minimal” based on what local authorities would allow. The sheriff’s department did not confirm these claims.

Guthrie went missing sometime between the night of Jan. 31 and the early morning of Feb. 1.

What you can do:

The FBI continues to urge anyone with information to contact its hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.