The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has taken a sobering turn.
After a ransom deadline passed without proof of life, experts warned that the demand may have been an elaborate hoax rather than evidence of a kidnapping.
Passed Ransom Deadline

Source: NBCA photo of an alleged suspect was released on February 10.
The supposed abductors had set a 5 p.m. Arizona time deadline on Monday, February 9, reportedly demanding $6 million in Bitcoin for the return of the 84-year-old.
When the deadline expired without further communication or consequence, investigators were left reassessing whether the ransom claims were ever legitimate.
An Expert Weighs In

Source: @savannahguthrie/InstagramExperts suggested the alleged ransom may have been a false threat.
Former SWAT team captain Josh Schirard told Daily Mail that the missed deadline signaled a clear shift for law enforcement.
“The deadline passing just tells law enforcement we need to close this particular path of investigation and continue putting efforts and resources and assets into the ones that might be more viable,” he said.






