Helicopter-Mounted 'Pacemaker Sniffer' Deployed in Search for Kidnapped TV Star's Mother
Investigators searching for the kidnapped mother of US TV star Savannah Guthrie have deployed a helicopter-mounted "signal sniffer" in a high-tech effort to locate her pacemaker. The device is designed to detect the Bluetooth Low Energy transmission emitted by Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker, as the search for the 84-year-old enters its third week.
High-Tech Hunt for Pacemaker Signals
Law enforcement sources confirm that the device has been flown over vast areas to scan for locations where Nancy Guthrie may be held. David Kennedy, a former NSA hacker who invented the device, explained the technology. "Nancy has a pacemaker, and in that technology, there's what's called Bluetooth Low Energy, which emits a very non-powerful transmission that you can communicate with your mobile devices for," he said.
Kennedy detailed how helicopters were flying "really low to the ground" near Nancy's home, noting that the distance to reach her pacemaker with a signal is "very low." He added, "So they're sweeping the areas looking for this transmission. I was able to confirm that based on the pacemaker she has, it will broadcast every three to four minutes or so with a very small transmission. If authorities are able to capture that and triangulate exactly where Nancy is based on her pacemaker."
Family Cleared as Investigation Continues
Kennedy's comments came as police ruled out members of Savannah Guthrie's family in the disappearance of her mother. Investigators responded to lurid and cruel speculation posted on social media. The Pima County Sheriff's Office stated, "The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel."
Sheriff Chris Nanos said the statement was issued after online amateur sleuths began "attacking the innocent." In a text message to NBC, he added that "kindness matters" and that it was "every cop's duty to stand up and be that voice for our victims."
Evidence and Suspect Description
The search for Mrs. Guthrie, who police say was taken from her home in the early hours of February 1, has seen no arrests and no publicly identified suspects. Blood was discovered on the floor of her porch, and doorbell camera footage shows a masked man wearing gloves and carrying a backpack, believed to be the person who seized her.
Following forensic analysis, the FBI said the suspect is thought to be between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. Agents believe the mask and backpack were purchased at a Walmart store and are contacting branches to identify potential buyers. Surveillance footage from nearby Walmart locations is also being reviewed.
A glove recovered near the scene, which appears to match the suspect's gloves, is undergoing testing. Investigators have developed a DNA profile of an unknown male and entered it into the FBI's national database, which could yield a match if the individual has previously provided a sample following an arrest.
Appeals and Search Efforts
On Sunday, Savannah Guthrie issued a further video appeal to "whoever has her, or knows where she is," saying the family "still have hope." In the fortnight since the disappearance, hundreds of officers, helicopters, and sniffer dogs have been deployed in a large-scale search operation.
Thousands of tips have been received. A search warrant was executed at a property two miles from Mrs. Guthrie's home on Friday, though no arrests followed. Mrs. Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 after being dropped home by a family member following a gathering at her daughter Annie Guthrie's house.
Concern was raised the following day when she failed to attend church, prompting relatives to alert authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, with the pacemaker sniffer representing one of the most innovative tools in the effort to locate Nancy Guthrie.
