Desperate Search for Nancy Guthrie: A Nation Transfixed

The disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has sparked a massive investigation, with authorities racing to uncover the truth behind her vanishing

Background on the Disappearance

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1 from her home near Tucson, Arizona. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, she was last seen the previous night around 9:45 p.m. Authorities have described the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction, but clues have been scarce. Guthrie visited her daughter Annie Guthrie's house on January 31, before being driven back to her home in the Catalina Foothills, a quiet unincorporated community. She was reported missing around noon the next day after she didn’t show up at a friend’s house to watch Sunday morning virtual church services.

Investigation Timeline and Key Facts

The investigation, which involves local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, has so far not identified a motive. Blood found on the porch outside her home tested positive for her DNA, Nanos said. Preliminary testing on gloves found about 2 miles from Guthrie’s home point to the DNA of an unknown male, authorities said. Those gloves appear to match the gloves worn by a person seen in security video from outside Guthrie’s home. The DNA from the gloves did not match any samples in the FBI’s DNA database or DNA found at Guthrie's property, authorities said on February 17. Investigators are also turning to genetic genealogy in analyzing partial DNA found at Guthrie’s home.

Break in the Case and New Leads

The case appeared to enter a new phase on February 10 after FBI Director Kash Patel released Google Nest doorbell camera screenshots and video clips of a man wearing a ski mask and a holstered pistol outside Guthrie’s house the morning she went missing. In one video, the man — whose eyes are visible through the holes in his mask — appears to tamper with the doorbell camera. The FBI on February 12 provided new identifying details about the man, calling him a suspect. The bureau described him as a man of average build, 5 feet, 9 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, wearing a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack 25-liter backpack. At least three news outlets have said they received ransom notes referring to Guthrie, but no law enforcement agency has so far substantiated the notes.

Family and Authorities' Response

Savannah Guthrie believes two of the ransom notes are legitimate, she said in an interview with Hoda Kotb. All members of the Guthrie family were cleared as suspects, Nanos said on February 16. Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, following every lead and exploring all possible avenues to bring her home safely. As the investigation continues, the nation remains transfixed, awaiting any news about the whereabouts and well-being of the 84-year-old mother. The FBI and local authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, as they work tirelessly to unravel the mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

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