RALEIGH, N.C. — A neighbor of missing North Carolina mother Nancy Guthrie says she spotted a “suspicious” young man walking through the community in the weeks leading up to the woman’s disappearance — and claims he “just didn’t fit.”

Guthrie, who vanished more than two decades ago before later resurfacing living under a new identity, was not reported missing for weeks after she disappeared — a delay that has drawn scrutiny as new details emerge.

‘He Stood Out’

The neighbor, who asked not to be identified, told reporters that she recalled seeing a young man repeatedly walking through the normally quiet residential area.

“He wasn’t someone you usually see around here,” the neighbor said. “He just didn’t fit.”

According to the account, the man did not appear to be visiting a specific home and was often seen alone. However, the neighbor acknowledged she never reported the sightings to police at the time because she did not initially connect them to any crime.

No Evidence of Foul Play

Authorities have previously confirmed that Guthrie ultimately contacted law enforcement decades later and stated she had left voluntarily. Investigators determined there was no evidence she had been abducted or harmed.

Law enforcement officials have not publicly identified any suspect tied to the disappearance, nor have they confirmed that the man described by the neighbor was involved in any wrongdoing.

Security camera footage shows a suspect in Guthrie’s kidnapping.

Lingering Speculation

Missing persons experts say it is common for community members to revisit memories of unusual sightings after a disappearance becomes public. However, without corroborating evidence, such recollections rarely alter the course of an investigation.

Police have reiterated that, based on current findings, there is no indication that Guthrie was the victim of a crime.

The neighbor said she came forward now because the resurfacing of the case “brought back memories,” but acknowledged that her observation may ultimately have been unrelated.

For the community, the case remains a reminder of how unanswered questions — even years later — can resurface alongside new revelations.