Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has put forward a controversial suggestion in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. On Wednesday's episode of "The Five," Gutfeld proposed that Savannah Guthrie voluntarily submit to a polygraph test as a strategic move to advance the case.
A Strategic Proposal for Pressure
Gutfeld explained his reasoning during a segment with Fox News contributor and criminal justice analyst Paul Mauro. "I want to revisit my strategy to solving this case, and that would be having the least likely suspect, Savannah Guthrie, offer to do a polygraph, which will then put necessary pressure on others inside and outside the circle to do the same," Gutfeld stated. He emphasized that since no one has been officially ruled out in the investigation, this approach could help identify individuals who might be reluctant to cooperate.
"Since no one has been ruled out, it's one step forward in ruling in and anybody who says no or bristles looks unusual," Gutfeld added, suggesting that refusal to take the test could raise suspicions.
Legal Perspective on Polygraph Use
Paul Mauro responded to Gutfeld's idea by noting that, to his knowledge, polygraph tests have not been conducted in the case thus far. "Well, my understanding as of now is that they haven't done anything relative to a polygraph," Mauro said. He acknowledged that while polygraph results are not admissible in court, they can serve as an investigative tool. "I get that. You're trying to smoke people out that might be close to the situation," Mauro commented, recognizing the potential psychological pressure such a move could create.
Background on the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since the night of January 31. Recent developments in the case include the emergence of images showing an armed, masked individual at her door in the Tucson area, where she resides. The incident is suspected to be a kidnapping. Additionally, a glove that may belong to the person in the images was reportedly found on Wednesday approximately 1.5 miles from her home. Despite these clues, authorities have not identified any suspects, and a deadline mentioned in a purported ransom demand has passed without resolution.
Previous Comments from Gutfeld
This is not the first time Gutfeld has floated the polygraph idea. Earlier in the week, on Monday, he raised the question on his show, questioning whether polygraphs had been administered to everyone involved. "Have they given everyone polygraphs? I don't believe they have," Gutfeld said. He suggested that Savannah Guthrie might consider volunteering for the test to dispel speculation. "I think Savannah Guthrie might wanna volunteer to do a poly and say, 'I just don't want people to speculate that I might be involved.'"
Gutfeld elaborated on the potential ripple effect: "It puts everyone else in her circle obligated to do a poly. They might have declined to do it before, but if you actually say, 'I'm willing to do it,' and everybody else decides to do it, great." This strategy aims to create a chain reaction of cooperation, potentially uncovering new leads in the stalled investigation.
The case continues to develop slowly, with law enforcement urging the public for any information that could assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. Gutfeld's proposal highlights the frustration over the lack of progress and the creative, albeit unorthodox, methods being discussed to break the deadlock.
