Is Nancy Guthrie in Mexico? Polygraph tests and new potential leads - on the scene in Arizona

Law enforcement is employing polygraph (lie detector) tests behind the scenes to clear people involved in the Nancy Guthrie investigation. While not admissible in court, these tests are a common investigative tool to narrow down potential suspects.

The host confirmed that polygraphs are being used to clear people in the Nancy Guthrie investigation and that it's common for law enforcement to use them behind the scenes.

The FBI has confirmed contact with authorities in Mexico regarding the investigation. Tucson's proximity to the Mexican border (50-60 miles) makes it a plausible escape route, as entry into Mexico is relatively easy with fewer checkpoints compared to entering the U.S.

The host states, 'The FBI is now confirming that they are having conversations and in touch with authorities in Mexico when it comes to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.' Former FBI agent Jeff Cortez adds, 'The proximity of Tucson to Mexico certainly lends itself as an escape route.'

Investigators are analyzing biological evidence found at Nancy Guthrie's residence, with DNA profiles currently undergoing lab analysis, including investigative genetic genealogy. An anonymous donation has raised the total reward for information to $200,000.

The sheriff's office update states, 'investigators are currently analyzing biological evidence found at Nancy Guthri's residence. DNA profiles are currently under lab analysis.' The host also mentions an 'anonymous donation today of $100,000' in addition to the FBI's $100,000 reward.

Former FBI agent Jeff Cortez, familiar with the Tucson area, posits that an abductor would most likely either go south to Mexico or remain within Tucson. Moving north, southeast, or west from Tucson would likely expose them to more checkpoints and scrutiny.

Jeff Cortez states, 'If it were me and I was planning an abduction in Tucson, I I would either a stay in Tucson or I would go south.' He explains that moving away from the border faces 'more scrutiny than going towards the border.'

Tucson's unique environment, characterized by extreme darkness at night due to light pollution minimization for observatories, mountainous terrain, and thick vegetation, significantly hampers evidence collection and the likelihood of eyewitness accounts or useful surveillance footage.

Jeff Cortez highlights, 'Tucson's a unique area in and of itself because of the darkness of night. Boy, that is that is a real thing that a lot of people... do not understand and appreciate how dark that place gets.' He adds, 'Evidence collection is going to be difficult. Eyewitnesses are going to be hard to find.'

Local law enforcement and former FBI agent Jeff Cortez do not believe cartels are involved. Cartels typically operate with more professionalism north of the border and avoid high-profile cases that would draw unnecessary attention and raise their threat level, especially without a clear financial or business motive.

The host mentions, 'a couple of the local law enforcement people I've talked to here said they don't think this looks like a cartel sort of thing. Like it's too amateur.' Jeff Cortez agrees, stating, 'I would be surprised that they would if they would have an interest... it's going to just raise the threat level against them and draw more attention than necessary.'

A federal search warrant, especially one involving SWAT teams, is not issued lightly. It requires sufficient probable cause, suggesting that law enforcement possesses more information and viable leads than what has been released to the public.

The host asks, 'if it was a federal search warrant signed off by a judge, they must know something, right?' Jeff Cortez responds, 'absolutely... they must or had might have had additional information that led them to believe this was a viable subject.'

Sustained media attention, despite occasional criticism, is viewed by both the host and some local residents as crucial for maintaining pressure on law enforcement and preventing missing person cases from going 'cold.' It also generates tips and resources.

A neighbor told the host, 'We're really happy you guys are still here... because we feel like if you guys leave, it's going to be forgotten about and Nancy will never come home.' The host adds, 'it is media pressure and attention that I found with cases really does make a huge difference.'