Investigators Scrutinize Pinky Ring Worn by Suspect in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance in Tucson Arizona

As the search for missing Nancy Guthrie stretches into its third week, authorities are scrutinizing a tiny but potentially crucial detail: a pinky ring seen on the alleged abductor’s hand in chilling doorbell camera footage captured outside her Tucson, Arizona home.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos highlighted the item on Tuesday, saying the suspect appeared to be wearing the ring under black gloves.

“I look at the same photo you look at and I get it, I see it,” Nanos told NBC News.

“I’m going to give that to my team. They’ll look at that.

They’ll analyze it and we’ll see. Maybe, maybe it is.”

The ring could provide a lead in a case that has, so far, produced frustratingly few clues.

Sophisticated Ransom Note Surfaces

Adding another layer of complexity, TMZ reported Wednesday that authorities have received a new ransom demand tied to Nancy’s disappearance.

The note is described as “sophisticated,” appearing in a different cryptocurrency format than the initial $6 million Bitcoin demand.

According to TMZ, the letter graphically outlined the consequences if the ransom isn’t paid and included a unique cryptocurrency account number, suggesting the sender is attempting to stay ahead of investigators.

Meanwhile, the FBI has reached out to Mexican law enforcement, though no breakthroughs have emerged from that international coordination.

Evidence So Far Fails to Provide Answers

Investigators have chased multiple leads, but tangible progress has been scarce.

A single glove discovered roughly two miles from Nancy’s home on Sunday initially drew attention, yet DNA testing against the national CODIS database yielded no match.

“Unfortunately, the glove offered no new leads,” Sheriff Nanos said.

Authorities previously questioned several persons of interest, all of whom have been released.

Multiple ransom letters, some received by media outlets, have also been factored into the investigation but have not yet provided concrete clues.

Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

Nancy, 84, was last seen on January 31 after visiting her eldest daughter for dinner and a game night.

Her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, drove her home, where he watched her enter through the garage door.

Hours later, at approximately 2:12 a.m., Nancy’s Nest doorbell camera recorded an unidentified person on her porch. By 2:30 a.m., her Apple Watch and iPhone stopped syncing with her pacemaker—a concerning sign her well-being may have been compromised.

She was officially reported missing around 11 a.m. when local church friends noticed her absence and alerted family members, who, after checking her home, contacted 911.

Family Pleas and Public Appeals

Nancy’s children have been actively reaching out through social media, appealing for her safe return.

On Sunday, Savannah Guthrie, her daughter and host of the Today show, shared a heartfelt video urging her mother’s captors to “do the right thing.”

“And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it’s never too late, and you’re not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing,” Savannah said.

“We are here and we believe, and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and it’s never too late.”

She captioned the video simply: “bring her home.”

What’s Next?

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed analysis of the pinky ring seen on the suspect, hoping it may provide identifying information.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to follow leads both in Tucson and abroad, including coordination with Mexican law enforcement regarding potential cross-border connections.

The family and law enforcement urge anyone with information—no matter how minor—to come forward.

With the case now in its 17th day, every clue, no matter how small, could prove critical.

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Summary

By EMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Investigators investigating Nancy Guthrie’s mysterious disappearance are focusing on a pinky ring spotted on the alleged abductor, while new sophisticated ransom demands complicate the case.

Despite DNA dead-ends and multiple leads yielding no arrests, the search continues in Tucson, Arizona, as the family makes emotional public appeals and authorities coordinate nationally and internationally in hopes of finding her.