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Alex James Barnett: Nancy Guthrie cops make arrest as shocking criminal history revealed after ‘porch guy’ comparison
Alex James Barnett was arrested for the murder of Tucson Police Cadet Carlos Ramirez. Social media linked him to the 'porch guy' in Nancy Guthrie case.
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A murder suspect from Arizona has been apprehended by the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) just a few days following online speculation that he might be the notorious ‘porch guy’ captured on Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera.
As reported earlier, the PCSD issued an arrest warrant on Friday (August 21) for Alex James Barnett, a 33-year-old person sought in relation to the murder of Tucson Police Cadet Carlos Ramirez. After the police released a public assistance notice featuring Barnett's photo, social media users began to draw comparisons between the suspect and the porch guy.
Barnett was arrested following a three-hour standoff at an apartment complex located on the east side of Tucson. As reported by the Arizona Daily Star, Barnett surrendered without incident after the Pima Regional SWAT team encircled the building on the evening of Monday, August 24.
During the standoff on Monday evening, a woman who identified herself as Barnett's sister went online to voice multiple allegations, as per 13 News. She asserted that Barnett was in a relationship with Ramirez's fiancée, and that the child might belong to Barnett, and alleged that both Ramirez and his fiancée were participating in drug sales.
Also Read: Can Nancy Guthrie ransom note writing quirks help identify the suspect? Expert weighs in
Tucson Police Cadet Carlos Ramirez murder
In the early hours of August 19, Ramirez, a former corrections officer from Pima County, was shot and killed in what seems to be a home invasion. On Saturday morning, August 22, authorities arrested Santiago Jorge Rogers in connection with the murder, while a third person suspected of being involved was found but not arrested.
Is there any link between Alex James Barnett and porch guy?
The PCSD has not disclosed any link between the suspects and the investigation involving Nancy Guthrie. However, this has not deterred speculation. Several users on social media have continued to draw comparisons between the physical features of Barnett and the porch guy.
Nancy, who is 84 years old and the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on February 1, with police suspecting she was abducted from her residence in Tucson. Subsequently, investigators released footage from a doorbell camera that captured a masked individual approaching Nancy's home and interfering with the security camera. The FBI characterized the suspect as being between 5'9" and 5'10" tall, possessing an average physique.
Alex James Barnett criminal history and no-bond hearing
Barnett has a criminal history that includes charges of domestic violence, burglary, theft, and child abuse, reported the Arizona Daily Star.
A no-bond hearing has been scheduled for August 31, and a preliminary hearing is set for September 1. Video footage of his court appearance is available.
Barnett was taken into custody late on Monday, August 24, after a three-hour standoff at Desert Atrium, an apartment complex located near Camino Seco and Broadway in Tucson.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, SWAT was present to execute a warrant related to the deadly home invasion that occurred the previous week.
Court records reveal that Barnett possesses an extensive and violent criminal background in Pima County. Over the past ten years, he has frequently been incarcerated, with his most recent release occurring in late 2025.
In 2012, he received a sentence for offenses including child abuse, theft, and drug possession.
In 2013, he faced conviction for theft and credit card fraud.
In 2021, he was found guilty of vehicle theft, weapons misconduct, burglary, and identity theft.
In 2024, he was convicted of unlawful imprisonment.
