Authorities in Arizona confirmed that investigators have obtained verified retail transaction records connected to the purchase of the Ozark Trail Hiker Pack believed to be relevant to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. According to law enforcement sources, the retailer Walmart was able to retrieve archived payment data showing that the backpack was not purchased in cash, as initially suspected, but through a credit card transaction.
Officials state that the purchase occurred within a timeframe already identified as critical in the case timeline. Surveillance footage from the store had previously captured an individual buying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. However, the absence of clear facial imagery initially limited identification efforts. The recovery of cardholder data significantly narrows the investigative focus.