The Search for Nancy Guthrie: Innovative Technology in Action
TUCSON, Ariz. — The ongoing search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly three weeks, has seen an unexpected intervention: cutting-edge technology employed by the FBI. As the grim timeline continues, authorities are tapping into Bluetooth technology to locate her, intensifying the urgency of the search.
The Role of the Pacemaker
Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker, which constantly sends signals, has become a pivotal focus in law enforcement’s efforts. The FBI is utilizing a device known as a “signal sniffer,” which is sophisticated enough to pick up Bluetooth signals from her pacemaker. This device employs an amplifier that can identify the unique Media Access Control (MAC) address associated with her device, allowing investigators to narrow down her location effectively.
Morgan Wright, the CEO of the National Center for Open and Unsolved Cases, describes the functionality of the signal sniffer as akin to walking around with a cellphone, waiting for a Bluetooth connection request. However, the technology takes this concept on a grand scale. “It’s got software running in it, continuously scans, and if it doesn’t recognize (hers), it just eliminates it until it locks onto the right one,” Wright explained.
Strategic Deployment of Technology
In their quest, the FBI has had to innovate. Helicopters equipped with the signal sniffing technology have been deployed to search for signals over vast areas. However, challenges exist — as Wright points out, the helicopters might not be low enough to effectively capture the pacemaker’s signals, which brings potential interference into play.
To tackle these complications, Wright, in collaboration with cybersecurity expert Dave Kennedy, has developed enhancements for drones. These drones can be programmed to perform grid-like searches over large areas, thereby covering much more ground than helicopters. “We could fly a whole fleet of drones because you can program them to do a search grid, use AI to program them to do a search grid, and cover a huge area with three or four drones,” he mentioned.
Enhanced Signal Detection
What distinguishes this new device is its range — capable of detecting signals from about 1,000 feet away. As Wright aptly puts it, “Instead of trying to make the haystack smaller, it’s using a bigger magnet to pull that needle out.” This level of detection is hopeful, as it marks a significant step forward in narrowing down where Guthrie might be at a critical time.
The data gathered from her pacemaker could prove invaluable. Wright believes that the telemetry data functions as an unbiased witness to the events surrounding Guthrie’s disappearance. “The pacemaker is the most unbiased witness we have — it’s sending telemetry data,” he shared, hinting at its potential to provide insights that human testimony may not offer.
The Path Forward
With the prototype of this innovative device in hand, the FBI aims to commence aerial operations shortly. Wright is optimistic that incorporating drone technology could play a key role in unraveling the mystery surrounding Guthrie’s disappearance, providing critical feedback on timelines and locations.
Leads From Surveillance
Beyond technological interventions, investigators are also working closely with Walmart management to develop leads on a suspect tied to Guthrie’s case. A distinctive backpack that appears in surveillance footage of a masked individual by her front door was identified as a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” exclusively sold at Walmart. Authorities believe this could connect the suspect to the store, and they are scrutinizing the possibility that other clothing items worn by the perpetrator may also have been purchased there.
The suspect is described by investigators as approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build and was seen in addition to the backpack wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves.
Increased Reward
As the search intensifies, the FBI has ramped up its efforts by increasing the reward amount to $100,000 for any information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie. This measure not only reflects the urgency of the situation but also serves to galvanize the community and encourage potential witnesses to come forward.
Through innovative technology and community cooperation, the search for Nancy Guthrie remains active, and significant strides are being made to decode the events of her disappearance.
