A tattoo expert weighs in on the suspect’s tattoo as the search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second month.
In an episode of “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” tattoo artist Darren “The Dude” Rosa of Rising Dragon Tattoos shared his insights about the small portion of ink beneath the masked man’s jacket.
Rosa, who has 30 years of experience in the tattoo industry, told Nancy Grace that the man’s tattoo is likely part of a full sleeve. He also suggested the suspect may have additional tattoos on other parts of his body.
“If this is all we’re seeing, this is most likely the continuation of something that covers this man’s entire arm,” Rosa explained. “Most likely, he’s got tattoos on his hands. He’s wearing this hooded mask, this balaclava; he’s most likely got tattoos on his neck, or maybe under his eye.”
Nancy Guthrie Update: Tattoo Artist Thinks Suspect Got His Tattoo While In Jail
Rosa also raised the possibility that the suspect got his “black and gray” tattoo while incarcerated, pointing out that the style is commonly seen among gangs.
“If we’re talking about a tattoo that was done in a penitentiary, these inmates don’t have access to colored ink,” he observed. “This is a style that’s been embellishing gangs for years, and they’ve honed this style, this very subtle gradation of ink, to a fine art. And this is even considered a hallmark of those who have moved up in the echelons.”
Rosa added that black and gray tattoos are particularly prevalent in the southern part of the country.
“This is also the style of tattooing that withstands heavy sun exposure,” he continued. “These people are out in the sun in the south-western states.”
Experts Speculate on the Suspect’s Tattoo Design
As for the possible design of the suspect’s tattoo, Rosa told Grace that it is definitely not geometric. He suggested it may feature some type of imagery or memorial, which he said is common among gang members.
“It’s kind of wavy lines,” the tattoo expert noted. “The prevalent type of imagery these people get is Catholic imagery, memorials to deceased gang members or family members. Most likely it’s saints, clouds, roses. These kinds of images.”
Meanwhile, certified forensics expert Jeffrey Gentry also shared his thoughts on the suspect’s tattoo, which appears to extend to his lower hand and wrist.
He noted that most people place their tattoos a few inches above the wrist so they can easily cover them with clothing and maintain a professional appearance at work.
“So when you start looking at tattoos that are lower down on the hands and wrists, you start thinking about the people who get these tattoos,” he told Nancy Grace. “They might have been in prison, they might be part of gangs.”
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Nancy Guthrie Update: Experts Share Alarming Details About Suspect’s Tattoo