TUCSON, Ariz. – Authorities are focusing on specific items worn by a suspect in the disappearance of an 84-year-old woman, leveraging newly recovered surveillance footage in their investigation.
The woman was reported missing on February 1 after failing to arrive at a scheduled church service. Her last known sighting was at her residence around 9:50 p.m. the previous evening, following a family gathering.
Recently released security video from the home, processed from residual data after initial recording devices were removed, shows an individual at the front door on the morning the woman vanished. The figure, whose face is obscured by a ski mask, appears to be armed and is seen tampering with the camera.
Investigators are now scrutinizing the suspect’s apparel and equipment for leads. Key items include a backpack with straps consistent with a specific model available at a major retailer, a holster made of polyester material typically used for revolvers, and a pair of gloves. Law enforcement is reaching out to manufacturers and retailers, hoping purchase records might help identify the individual.
The case took a brief turn earlier this week when a person of interest was detained for questioning but was subsequently released without charge.
The family of the missing woman has reportedly received communications demanding ransom since her disappearance. The search, now in its second week, continues as federal and local agencies pursue all available evidence.