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Del Cueto highlighted another complicating factor: the neighborhood’s proximity to the Mexican border. “We’re on the southern border. You’re dealing with international crime constantly, and there are too many variables to rule anything out,” he explained. In his view, a suspect could potentially cross into Mexico in under ninety minutes, well before authorities could establish a complete timeline or gather all available evidence. “If someone gets spooked or panicked, they could disappear before law enforcement even knows who they’re looking for,” he said, which may explain why investigators have been cautious in sharing details publicly.
The physical challenges of the Tucson foothills also add to the difficulty of the search. Neighbor Morgan Brown, who lives only a quarter-mile from Nancy’s home, described the landscape: “Step two feet off the road, and you’re in the thick of the cactus and scrub. It’s not gated at all—you just walk off the street, and you’re in desert terrain filled with mesquite trees, rocks, and cacti. They may have initially thought she wandered off, but she walks with a cane. That makes it highly unlikely she could navigate that terrain alone.”
Experts have weighed in, offering additional context on the possible profile of the abductor. Former FBI special agent Dr. Bryanna Cox, now a criminology professor at the University of South Florida, emphasized that the manner of the disappearance suggests a stranger rather than someone familiar to Nancy. “If it were a family member or someone who knew the house, there wouldn’t have been forced entry,” Dr. Cox explained. “Someone she knew would likely have used deception to get her to leave voluntarily or enter a vehicle. The fact that there was forced entry points to a person who was not known to her, and potentially a man in his 30s or 40s, based on the details so far.”
The combination of rugged terrain, limited visibility, and the potential for international escape routes has made the investigation particularly urgent and complex. Authorities continue to canvass the neighborhood, review security camera footage, and analyze any trace evidence that might provide a lead. They have also made appeals to the public for tips and information that could break the case open. Each detail, no matter how small, is considered vital in piecing together the timeline of Nancy’s last known movements.
