The Megyn Kelly Show — Ep. 1251
Black Gloves Found Near Nancy Guthrie Home, and Mystery Man Seen with TWO Backpacks
Date: February 12, 2026
Guests:
- Phil Holloway (legal analyst, onsite in Tucson)
- Maureen O’Connell (former FBI agent)
- Jim Fitzgerald (former FBI agent)
- James Hamilton (former FBI supervisory special agent)
- Will Geddes (security expert)
Main Theme & Overview
This extended episode centers on the latest developments in the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie from her Arizona home. The discussion, driven by new evidence—including the discovery of a pair of black gloves near the crime scene and a mysterious video of a man with two backpacks—dives into the investigative actions, emerging leads, and speculation about the perpetrator. Expert panelists analyze law enforcement strategies, review critical evidence, and explore the potential significance of new video footage, while also reflecting on the challenges and peculiarities of the ongoing investigation.
Key Discussion Points
1. Law Enforcement’s Unusual Crime Scene Activity
[02:50–05:11]
- Phil Holloway witnessed a tent and videography equipment at Nancy Guthrie’s home; believes they're conducting technical measurements (possibly to assess perpetrator's height for video comparison).
- “It looks like they were doing some technical video work... maybe get precise height measurements for the perpetrator.” (Phil Holloway, 02:53)
- Tent was erected and removed quickly, which is considered odd since this detailed survey wasn't done earlier.
[05:11–06:11]
- Significant late-night law enforcement activity: Sheriff's forensic team searched a roadway near Nancy’s house at 2:15 a.m., causing questions about the urgency or secrecy of this timing.
2. The Discovery of Black Gloves
[06:11–07:46]
-
Phil reports a pair (not just one) of black gloves found near the scene, similar to those the suspect was seen wearing.
- Caution emphasized: in desert settings, gloves are common for everyday use.
-
Law enforcement is analyzing the gloves for DNA and other evidence.
- “There’s a possibility they could be connected... law enforcement believe that they have a general route of travel, and they are searching more specifically now along where that phone might have traveled, either going to or from Nancy Guthrie’s home.” (Phil Holloway, 06:27)
3. Possible Cell Phone Lead
[06:11–11:01]
- Multiple sources suggest authorities are tracking a phone allegedly carried by the perpetrator, using both cell tower pings and Wi-Fi network footprints.
- FBI activity—including searching around Annie Guthrie’s (Nancy’s daughter) home—may be driven by this phone’s digital trail.
- “If they actually have a cell phone now associated potentially with this crime, then we may be hours away from an arrest.” (Megyn Kelly, 07:46)
4. Public Requests for Surveillance Footage
[12:31–16:23]
- Sheriff’s office asks all residents in the area to provide surveillance video from January 1 to February 2, with special interest in specific dates (Jan 11, Jan 31).
- Possible aim: To rule out suspicious vehicles, delivery drivers or others casing the neighborhood.
- “They’re basically crowdsourcing the solution to this crime at this point.” (Megyn Kelly, 15:40)
5. Analysis of New Alleyway Video (“Double Backpack Man” aka “Pac Man”)
[21:24–29:28]
- New viral video shows a man in an alley at about 2am on Feb 1, carrying two backpacks and possibly a gun.
- Panelists debate if this is the same person as the abductor; differences in body build noted but similarities (facial hair, round head, clothing) are striking.
- “It would be a coincidence on steroids if, in fact, somehow it's not related.” (Jim Fitzgerald, 25:48)
- Speculation that this location (five miles south) could be the abductor's home or where Guthrie was taken.
- “Why five miles away? Is that where he lives? Is that where they’re keeping Nancy?” (Maureen O’Connell, 28:56)
6. Strategic & Behavioral Insights
[29:45–34:02]
- Detailed breakdown of the possible significance of backpacks and weaponry.
- Speculation about whether images show the perpetrator pre- or post-abduction.
- Unusual aspects of the crime scene’s handling, such as whether the abductor had an accomplice.
7. Gloves and Evidence Forensics
[38:58–44:46]
- Gloves could contain the suspect’s DNA and even fingerprints transferred from crime scene surfaces.
- “It’s going to have the guy’s DNA on it. There’s no way it’s not going to.” (Maureen O’Connell, 41:24)
- Speedy testing is expected; can be as quick as 24–48 hours with FBI resources.
8. Focus on “Carlos” the Delivery Driver and Cell Analysis
[46:44–47:11]
- Carlos was detained because of cell phone and traffic data, not just visual ID.
- Law enforcement’s use of exigent circumstances in the investigation discussed.
9. Enhanced Crime Scene Processing
[48:46–51:00]
- Law enforcement created a height diagram and took the NEST camera bracket for further forensics, raising questions about initial scene security.
10. Further Theories: Accomplices, Misdirection, and Search Tactics
[52:56–56:16]
- Discussion about private security and family movements post-crime; the importance of systematically excluding possible suspects and following every lead.
Panel: James Hamilton & Will Geddes Join
[58:55–66:46]
11. Crowd-Sleuthing and Equipment Purchases
- Online sleuths identified the suspect’s backpack as an Ozark Trail hiker (sold at Walmart for ~$11); detectives following up via local store sales records.
- “It’s wonderful, and I think it’s great...but these leads have to get run down.” (James Hamilton, 58:55)
- The perpetrator appears to have used cheap, easily available equipment (including a low-cost “Uncle Mike’s” holster), consistent with an amateur.
12. Timeline and Video Forensics
- Discordant video timestamps examined. While dates line up for both abduction and "Pac Man" footage, analysts remain cautious due to possible mis-set cameras.
- “We can speculate a lot...but I’m assuming the investigators themselves know exactly what this is.” (Jim Fitzgerald, 68:14)
13. Assessing Video Gait and Physical Analysis
- FBI possesses tools and experts to analyze gait and posture, relevant for comparing "Pac Man" and "Abductor Man."
- Despite visible differences (abductor appears heavier-set), the chance of two different men in similar situations is deemed extremely low.
14. Investigative Priorities: Backpack Man and Rewards
- Panelists call for a significantly higher reward (suggested: $500,000) to incentivize better leads.
- “$50,000, that’s nothing.” (James Hamilton, 80:31)
15. Dealing with Hoaxes and Ransom Demands
- Discussion of bogus “bitcoin tipsters,” obstruction, and scams; such leads are deprioritized in favor of more credible investigative tracks.
- "If the FBI ran out with everything they had ... they wouldn’t be able to really find Pac Man, which is a much more credible lead than this nonsense." (James Hamilton, 86:54)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Phil Holloway on phone evidence:
“There is a digital footprint that is left behind by the phone everywhere it goes.” [09:21] - Maureen O’Connell on the gloves:
“It’s going to have the guy’s DNA on it. There’s no way it’s not going to.” [41:24] - Jim Fitzgerald on the alley video:
“It would be a coincidence on steroids if, in fact, somehow it's not related.” [25:48] - Megyn Kelly on community involvement:
“They’re basically crowdsourcing the solution to this crime at this point.” [15:40] - James Hamilton on pursuing all leads:
“That’s a hell of a coincidence...so for me, it’s a great lead. It’s something they have to run down.” [78:11] - On family dynamics as part of investigative focus:
“The dynamics of a sibling who’s a multimillionaire…can sometimes that cause problems in a family? It’s possible.” [101:42] - On “Pac Man” video facial features:
“Look at the beard. You can see it very clearly... he’s got like the devil beard... it is a black beard.” (Megyn Kelly, [82:28])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 02:50 — Tent, technical video work at Nancy’s house
- 05:11 — Early morning forensic search, glove discovery discussion
- 06:11 — Black gloves evidence, cell phone tracking theory
- 12:31 — Sheriff requests mass surveillance video
- 21:24 — Discussion of "Double Backpack Man" video, analysis begins
- 41:24 — DNA value of gloves, forensic expectations
- 48:46 — Crime scene tent: height measurements, NEST camera cradle
- 58:55 — Crowd-sleuthing IDs suspect’s backpack, amateur theory
- 65:15 — In-depth panel debate: timeline, "Pac Man" video analysis
- 80:21 — Calls for higher reward to spark real leads
- 86:44 — Dismissing fraudulent tips and addressing investigative distractions
- 101:42 — Family dynamic, financial motive considerations
Closing Thoughts
The episode highlights the complexity, urgency, and emotion surrounding the Nancy Guthrie case. Law enforcement is under intense pressure, with expert guests affirming that all leads—credible and questionable—are being pursued. The public’s active involvement, community surveillance, and online sleuthing have added thousands of tips, straining resources but also opening potential for breakthroughs. The gloves and the "Double Backpack Man" video represent the most tangible leads, while forensic analysis and cell data remain at the investigation’s core. Throughout, the panel maintains a tone of cautious optimism, intellectual rigor, and hope for resolution.
