While there was no initial indication that Nancy Guthrie could have been targeted because of her name, the sheriff has said “we can’t dismiss that”.
On Tuesday, Nanos told reporters : “We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will. And that’s where we’re at.”
When asked about reports that police were testing blood found in the home, he answered: “I’m not saying saying there’s blood inside that house or outside that house”.
He also said evidence gathered at the home had been sent to a lab for analysis. So far, the lab results and other evidence have not led authorities to a possible suspect.
The sheriff could not say whether more than one person had been involved in the alleged abduction.
In an earlier post on the Pima County Sheriff’s Facebook account, the department said it was “aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s)”, without offering more specifics.
Nanos also said the sheriff’s office had received a copy of a ransom note and was working with the FBI to authenticate it.
Authorities have urged the public to call the sheriff’s office with any information, said they would look into any and all leads, and discouraged the spread of misinformation.
In the social media post on Wednesday the sheriff’s office said “the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation”.