As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie nears its two-week mark, law enforcement is turning to cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital forensics to breathe new life into the investigation. What this really means is that the authorities are utilizing every tool at their disposal to identify the suspect and bring Guthrie home safely.
AI to the Rescue
According to cybersecurity expert Morgan Wright, AI could be a game-changer in this case. By analyzing the limited surveillance footage available, AI algorithms can measure key facial features like the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, and other unique identifiers - even when the suspect's face is partially obscured by a ski mask. The bigger picture here is that this data could then be cross-referenced against criminal databases to generate a list of potential suspects for investigators to pursue.
But the power of AI doesn't stop there. AI expert Kristian Hammond explains that the technology can also be used to create detailed composite sketches of the suspect, providing law enforcement with another valuable tool in their search.
Leveraging Digital Forensics
In addition to AI, digital forensics experts are urging investigators to comb through cell tower data from the area around Guthrie's home. By identifying which phones were active in the vicinity at the time of her disappearance, they may be able to build a list of potential suspects or witnesses. As this report on AI in the accounting industry shows, digital forensics is becoming an increasingly vital tool in modern investigations.
The Nancy Guthrie case is a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, the search for a missing person can be a complex and daunting challenge. But with the help of cutting-edge technologies like AI and digital forensics, law enforcement has a fighting chance of cracking this case and bringing Guthrie home.