Nancy Guthrie sleuths think they’ve identified ‘Porch Guy’ after murder suspect gets warrant

TUCSON, ARIZONA: The mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has taken another turn online after internet sleuths began comparing the unidentified “Porch Guy” with a man wanted in connection with an unrelated murder case.

The speculation surfaced after the Pima County Sheriff's Department issued an arrest warrant for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett in connection with the murder of Carlos Ramirez on Thursday, August 20.

Authorities have not linked Barnett to Nancy’s disappearance, and the “Porch Guy” remains unidentified.

Alex Barnett sparks Nancy Guthrie ‘Porch Guy’ comparisons

The PCSD asked the public for help locating Barnett while also seeking information about two additional suspects.

Soon after the appeal was posted, social media users began comparing Barnett’s appearance with surveillance footage of the masked man seen on Nancy’s porch on the night she disappeared.

One X user even shared a “visual comparison analysis,” placing images of Barnett and “Porch Guy” side by side.

Another user pointed to what they described as similarities in the two men’s shoes, tattoos, gait, height and weight.

Nancy Guthrie’s ‘Porch Guy’ remains unidentified

Despite the online theories, there is no confirmed connection between Barnett and Nancy’s case. The PCSD has not identified “Porch Guy” as Barnett, nor has it announced a suspect or motive in Nancy’s disappearance.

The FBI previously released doorbell camera footage showing the masked figure on Nancy’s porch, making the mysterious visitor a major focus of public interest.

That has not stopped online investigators from examining every visible detail in the footage, particularly now that Barnett’s name and images have surfaced in connection with another murder investigation.

Elizabeth Smart hopes Nancy Guthrie is alive

While some people have feared the worst, kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart has urged people not to give up hope.

Smart, who was abducted from her home at 14 in 2002 and rescued nine months later, said Nancy could still be alive.

“She could absolutely still be alive,” Smart said in a July 2026 interview with E! News.

“I would remind people that we don't know all the details,” she added. “I certainly hope that the investigators have more details than we do, and I certainly hope that they're making more progress.”