Gabby Petito’s father has spoken out as the search for Nancy Guthrie stretches into its 12th day.
In 2021, Joe Petito's 22-year-old daughter, who was a travel vlogger, was on a road trip across the US with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, when she disappeared in September 2021.
Her remains were found in Wyoming’s Spread Creek camping area in September, where an autopsy confirmed she had died from blunt-force injuries to her head and neck and manual strangulation.
Laundrie, the prime suspect in her disappearance, had returned home to Florida without her and refused to cooperate with authorities.
He went missing on September 13, and his remains were found a month later alongside a confession note admitting to killing his girlfriend.
In a recent interview on Fox & Friends, the grieving father spoke about Nancy's disappearance.
He said he deeply sympathizes with Guthrie’s family, particularly her daughter, Savannah, as they navigate what he described as the same wave of support, misinformation, and heartbreak that followed Gabby’s disappearance.
“It’s humbling to see so many people try to help your family, which is what Savannah is getting right now with her mom,” Joe said.
“But it’s also frustrating, because a lot of times, the information that’s out there."
"If someone does a bad report and doesn’t give accurate information, a lot of times other people just copy and paste it. And next thing you know, something’s out there that’s not true at all,” he added.
Drawing Parallels To Gabby Petito’s Case
Now, nearly five years after his daughter's death, Joe says he recognizes haunting similarities between Gabby's case and the apparent kidnapping of the 84-year-old, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1.
Guthrie failed to arrive at a friend’s house to watch a church service that day.
Authorities believe she was taken against her will.
The grandmother reportedly takes several medications that officials warn she could die without.
“I just hope that they’re taking their time and listening to each other,” he said, warning that “outside influences” often attempt to steer families during high-profile investigations.
"They’re the only ones who have all the information - or as much as possible," he added.
Joe also emphasized the urgency of Nancy's medical needs.
“Nancy Guthrie needs some medicine and care that she might not be getting,” he said.
“I hope this ends with Nancy coming home safe and sound and whoever did this behind bars.”
Ominous Notes And Bitcoin Demand
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are grappling with a troubling series of ransom notes connected to the case.
According to TMZ, another note was received on February 12, reportedly from the same person who previously claimed to know the kidnapper’s identity.
The sender now says they fear they are “not being taken seriously” and included several “ominous” statements.
The latest message demanded one bitcoin in exchange for information about the alleged kidnapper.
The note also referenced concern about being “incriminated like that Carlos guy” - an apparent nod to a man who was arrested and later released without charge earlier in the investigation.
Several ransom notes have surfaced in recent days, each containing payment demands and deadlines that have since passed.
The FBI has offered a substantial reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.
Chilling Footage And Key Evidence
Investigators have released disturbing doorbell camera footage showing what police describe as an “armed” and masked individual outside Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared.
FBI director Kash Patel addressed the footage, saying: “Working with our partners - as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance.”
In the early days of the probe, a white tent was erected outside Guthrie’s front door, where blood was discovered. Authorities have not publicly detailed what evidence was collected.
A set of gloves was also recovered near the home and submitted for DNA analysis.
However, officials have not confirmed whether they match the ones worn by the masked individual captured on camera, per The Independent.