A former FBI profiler says newly released surveillance footage in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie may contain a crucial clue hiding in plain sight.
Jim Clemente, a former FBI supervisory special agent and criminal profiler, told Fox News Digital that a visible marking on the suspect’s wrist could prove to be a breakthrough detail as investigators work to identify the masked individual seen outside Guthrie’s Tucson home.
Photos released by the FBI show an armed person wearing gloves, a backpack and a face covering approaching the front door in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The individual appears to tamper with the home’s doorbell camera before it goes offline.
Clemente said what appears to be a tattoo or distinct marking on the suspect’s right wrist could significantly narrow the field.
“That tattoo, if it is a tattoo, will be able to help them rule in and rule out people. Certainly it will help the public.”
He added that even partial ink patterns, lettering or symbols can quickly eliminate large numbers of potential suspects once tips begin pouring in.
Clemente also pointed to the way the suspect handled the firearm in the footage, suggesting investigators can draw additional conclusions.
“He revealed a tremendous amount, so he’s not a professional.”
Based on the positioning of the weapon, Clemente said the suspect appears to be right-handed, another detail that could help narrow the search.
The former profiler stressed that forensic evidence inside the home is likely to be far more valuable than anything found outside in the Arizona desert climate.
“Inside the house is much more protected. So I’m sure that’s going to reveal a lot more,” Clemente said. “Any time, any place where he spent any time — that’s where you’re going to see it.”
He noted that outdoor evidence, such as items exposed to wind, heat and moisture, often degrades quickly, making indoor trace evidence more promising.
Clemente also warned that the public release of the footage likely has increased pressure on the suspect.
When a suspect realizes his image is circulating nationwide, stress can spike. That stress can lead to behavioral changes.
“The public should be looking for somebody who’s been under stress for the last several weeks, who didn’t show up for work, called in sick or bagged out of social responsibilities.”
He suggested the individual may attempt to alter his appearance, shave facial hair, cut his hair or even conceal or clean a vehicle more aggressively than usual.
“He’s probably tried to change his appearance, hide his car — maybe paint it, clean it really thoroughly more than he normally does. And he may have left the area for a last-minute emergency.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Feb. 1. Authorities have said evidence at the scene indicates she was taken from her home against her will. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.
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With the newly highlighted wrist marking and other behavioral clues, Clemente believes the suspect may have already made a critical mistake.
For investigators and the public alike, that small detail could turn out to be the biggest break yet.
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