All hope may not be lost when it comes to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Elizabeth Smart knows better than most what it’s like to be missing for a long time, with optimism dwindling. She was kidnapped at knifepoint in 2002, going missing for several months. It’s believed that the mother of Today Show co-host Savannah was kidnapped earlier this year.
There’s been no sign of the 84-year-old for over three months. Even so, Elizabeth thinks that the mother of three “could absolutely still be alive.”
Survivor Elizabeth holds out hope for Nancy’s return
Don’t give up the search. That’s what Elizabeth is preaching in reference to Nancy’s case. In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, the 38-year-old said that “There are cases that span many more years than mine does, and they came back alive.” For that reason, Elizabeth thinks Nancy might still be alive today.
The notion that Nancy is still alive is not one that many seem to believe anymore. It doesn’t help that some former investigators doubt that’s the case. In April, former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer shared her theory that Nancy had “sadly died.” Jennifer believes that the ransom notes in Nancy’s disappearance were just a way for the alleged kidnapper to torture the family.
Elizabeth was 14 at the time of her abduction from her bedroom by Brian David Mitchell. For nine months, she was physically and sexually assaulted by him and his wife, Wanda Barzee. It wasn’t until March 2003 that someone recognized the couple from TV, and the police eventually apprehended them and brought Elizabeth back home safely.
The last known person to see Nancy alive was her daughter Annie, who had dinner with her on the evening of January 31. After uncharacteristically missing a Sunday church service on February 1, Nancy was reported missing. Nancy had a known heart condition, and her blood was discovered at her place following an investigation.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE CHANCES THAT NANCY IS STILL OUT THERE ALIVE?
