Nancy Guthrie Update: Expert’s Terrifying Theory Involves ‘Revenge’

Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has spawned a variety of theories but no significant answers. The last big break in the case, at least as far as the public knows, came when authorities extracted a series of chilling photos showing the masked and armed suspect at Guthrie's door.

Ransom notes came and went, the family pleaded for answers in emotional videos, true-crime sleuths descended on town, but, through all of it, there was no sign of the missing 84-year-old mother of TODAY Show co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Now an expert is pushing another theory, and it's a terrifying one. She has interesting credentials, having inspired a beloved Netflix show about getting into the minds of serial killers.

The Expert Believes That the Nancy Guthrie Suspect Might Have Been Out for Revenge

Dr. Ann Burgess revealed her theory on the Brian Entin Investigates show on NewsNation.

“I think something went very wrong inside the house … because you know, there was blood,” Burgess said on that show.

Authorities have confirmed that detail. When he released a detailed timeline early on in the case, the Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that drops of Nancy's blood were found on her stoop.

Burgess painted a potential theory of revenge. She believes the suspect might have been trying to get back at someone else in Guthrie's world.

“Who in her orbit, let’s call it family, could be friends, would be hurt the most (by the kidnapping?) And I think you can answer…" Burgess claimed. "It’s a very, it’s a very mean, angry, horrible thing to do. And then if it goes wrong, which obviously it did, I think it doesn’t make sense that she would be a target to do more than abduct her,” she added.

She also argued that the FBI probably has more information that could be helpful, saying, “I think there are other small bits of evidence that could be released that people could then have more to be able to, again, hypothesize on or speculate. I think they could let more out."

Nanos has also released a previous statement clearing Guthrie's family members and their spouses in the case, saying they are not suspects.

The Expert Was an Inspiration for the Netflix Television Series, 'Mindhunter'

According to a profile of her on NYU, Burgess's work was an inspiration for the Netflix show, Mindhunter. "Her groundbreaking work with victims of rape and sexual abuse led to a collaboration with FBI agents in the Behavioral Science Unit," the profile says. "Together they procured grants to conduct research on serial murderers, serial rapists, and child molesters. It was this collaboration that inspired the Netflix television series Mindhunter."

Guthrie disappeared from her home in Tucson in the early morning hours; it's a timeline authorities established with help of her pacemaker disconnecting from her Apple watch. Authorities have not revealed a motive or any suspect name.

There is a more than $1 million reward available in the case. Other than the ransom notes and photos, there have been few clues released about any suspects. Eventually, Guthrie's daughter Savannah has returned to television broadcasting after initially flying to Tucson as a massive search progressed.

Related: Before Nancy Guthrie Case, Patty Hearst Kidnapping Captured Headlines