Investigators searching for missing 84-year-old man Nancy Guthrie Key clues may be found in cell phone data, according to a retired FBI agent who said advanced tracking tools could play a key role in the case.
Guthrie, mother Savannah GuthrieReported missing on February 1st. Authorities have been investigating her disappearance for more than two weeks, looking for digital evidence, surveillance footage and tips from the public.
Jason Parker, retiree FBI According to “American Mirror”, the former supervisory agent and chief of staff of the FBI Public Affairs Department told Fox News Digital that the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Investigation Team (CAST) is one of the most valuable tools in missing persons investigations.
“They have a lot of data,” Parker said, noting that names have surfaced during the analysis process. “Some have been cleared. Others may still be functioning in ways that we haven’t seen publicly.”
CAST agents examine cellular data in detail, going beyond call logs and tracking how the phone moves around a specific area.
“Each cell phone is essentially a tracking device voluntarily carried by its owner,” Parker explained. “CAST can reconstruct a phone’s whereabouts, when it arrived, how long it stayed and where it went next.”
How cellphone data helps investigators
Agents must first obtain a search warrant and subpoena before they can obtain the phone records, Parker said. Once the data is received, it will be analyzed in stages and compared with existing evidence.
“It comes slowly, sometimes in waves, sometimes in fragments,” he said. Each new set of records can confirm a theory, eliminate a clue, or open a new line of investigation.
He added that search warrants showed an investigation was ongoing, while subpoenas showed “the digital network is expanding,” the Mirror reported.
“Agents and deputies are now doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing – getting the cell phone records, video and leads to come together,” Parker said. “The investigation has not stopped. The investigation is ongoing.”
Also read: Nancy Guthrie News: FBI confirms suspect’s DNA match, black gloves lead to major breakthrough
ongoing investigation
Authorities have not yet identified the suspect.
A man who was detained in connection with the investigation was later released as a “person of interest,” said Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The individual reportedly owned a gray Range Rover, which investigators inspected and seized.
Three other people were detained when federal agents executed a search warrant at a nearby home, but were later released, the Mirror reported.
Officials continue to analyze digital evidence as well as surveillance video and witness tips.
 is among the most valuable tools in missing-person investigations.){kind=link}