SAVANNAH GUTHRIE'S MOM MISSING: DAY 13

A third email, purportedly from someone with knowledge of Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, was sent to TMZ. The sender claims distrust of law enforcement and uses TMZ as an intermediary. Initially demanding one Bitcoin ($68,000), the new email now requests $100,000 in Bitcoin, asking for $50,000 upfront in exchange for the 'main individual's' name, with the remaining $50,000 contingent on the kidnapper's arrest. The sender also takes credit for the reward being doubled to $100,000, framing it as an attempt to 'discredit me'.

Dave Mack, Crime Stories investigative reporter, details the contents of the email received by TMZ, including the Bitcoin demands and the sender's rationale for contacting media over law enforcement.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faces significant criticism for his conduct in the investigation. Savannah Guthrie reportedly told him she 'didn't need him' and had her 'own people.' Nanos also made conflicting statements about a glove initially reported to be found inside Nancy Guthrie's home, later walking back that claim. Most notably, he decided to send crucial DNA evidence to a private Florida lab, DNA Labs International, at a cost of $200,000 in county funds, rather than utilizing the FBI's Quantico lab, despite the FBI's involvement and resources.

Reports from Fox News cited by Nancy Grace and Dave Mack detail Savannah Guthrie's alleged statement and Sheriff Nanos's explanations for his decisions regarding the DNA evidence and conflicting glove narratives.

Forensic experts express deep concern over the decision to send DNA to a private lab, particularly given the delicate nature of 'touch DNA' and potentially mixed samples from gloves or the crime scene. Joseph Scott Morgan, a professor of forensics, emphasizes the importance of consistency in handling evidence and the FBI's superior resources and established protocols for processing and genetic genealogy. The discussion also highlights the potential for fiber evidence (from a 'gray truck' or the perpetrator's home/vehicle) and blood evidence (Nancy Guthrie was reportedly bleeding profusely) to be critical, underscoring worries about evidence bungling.

Joseph Scott Morgan (Professor of Forensics) and Scott Iiker (former FBI) discuss the fragility of DNA, the challenges of mixed samples, the advantages of Quantico, and the historical significance of fiber evidence in cases like Wayne Williams.

Dr. Bethany Marshall, a psychoanalyst, suggests that the perpetrator or someone with critical information might exhibit specific psychological traits: an immature, shallow quality, excitement and preoccupation with the crime, a lack of empathy for Nancy Guthrie, and promises of sudden wealth. She advises family members and the public to listen for 'excited conversations' about the case, rather than empathetic ones, and for individuals bragging about making money or discussing how to profit from abducting an elderly person. This behavioral analysis is presented as a key tool for identifying potential leads.

Dr. Bethany Marshall (psychoanalyst) provides a detailed profile of the likely mindset of the person sending the ransom notes or the actual perpetrator, based on the tone of the notes and general criminal psychology.