Nancy Guthrie case update: Can the case be solved without a body? Expert weighs in

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues as authorities work to uncover what happened and identify who may be responsible. A veteran homicide prosecutor has now weighed in on a major question surrounding the case: whether a murder case can move forward if Nancy Guthrie’s remains are never recovered. Tad DiBiase, a prosecutor known for handling “no body” homicide cases, said that while finding a body is always valuable evidence, a case could still potentially succeed without one, as per a report by Parade.

Could the Nancy Guthrie case continue without remains?

Speaking with journalist Brian Entin, Tad DiBiase explained that recovering a victim’s remains can provide important evidence, but it is not always required for a conviction.

“It is always, always better to have a body, without a doubt,” DiBiase told Entin. “Because even if you get remains, it tells you, ‘this person left these remains here.’”

However, DiBiase believes the Nancy Guthrie case could still potentially be tried as a “no body” case if investigators gather enough evidence.

A no-body homicide case refers to situations where prosecutors attempt to prove a murder occurred without recovering the victim’s remains, as per a report by Parade.

What is happening in the investigation?

Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, February 1. Authorities believe she was abducted from her Arizona home during the middle of the night, though many details surrounding her disappearance remain unknown.

Investigators continue reviewing leads and collecting evidence while trying to determine what happened and who may be responsible.

After the case reached 100 days, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke about the challenges investigators face.

“It’s just not a detective goes out there, talks to somebody, and we can make an arrest,” Nanos told Tucson’s KOLD-TV in an interview published on June 1. “This is a very sensitive case, but what really makes it prolonged is we do rely on labs.”

Why is the investigation taking time?

Sheriff Nanos explained that authorities are moving carefully because they want to ensure any action is supported by evidence.

“If I were to say there’s a positive to this, it is that people are working, doing their best to stay within those rules so that they have that understanding that, look, nobody wants to arrest the wrong person,” Nanos said.

“We wanna make sure that DNA doesn’t just identify a suspect. It also exonerates those who are innocent.”

The Nancy Guthrie case remains active, with investigators continuing to follow evidence and analyze information as the search for answers continues.

FAQs

Can a case proceed without a body?
Yes, in some cases.

Who is Tad DiBiase?
A “no body” homicide prosecutor.