FBI Increases Reward, Releases New Details in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, has intensified with the FBI doubling the reward for information leading to her whereabouts to $100,000. The agency also released new details about a suspect identified through forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage.
Authorities have been investigating the disappearance of Guthrie since , when she was reportedly abducted from her home outside of Tucson, Arizona. The case has now entered its third week, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.
According to a statement released by the FBI Phoenix field office, the suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall, with an average build. He was seen wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack in the surveillance footage. The FBI stated it has received over 13,000 tips from the public since the beginning of the investigation.
The increased reward comes as investigators continue to analyze evidence collected from Guthrie’s property. DNA evidence, not belonging to Guthrie or her close contacts, was discovered at the scene, and is currently being analyzed. Authorities have not disclosed the location where the DNA was found.
Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy is also offering a $100,000 reward through Crime Stoppers, separate from the FBI’s offer. Hupy expressed concerns about the FBI’s reward requiring personal information, believing it could deter potential tipsters. He stated that Crime Stoppers allows for anonymous submissions, potentially encouraging more people to come forward.
Savannah Guthrie made a public appeal for her mother’s safe return, posting a video on Instagram with the caption, “Bring her home. It’s never too late to do the next right thing.” In the video, she expressed continued hope and belief in the essential goodness of people, urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has also made direct appeals to the abductor, stating, “Let her go. No questions asked. We’ll worry about prosecuting… another day. Right now, it’s about… let’s get Nancy back.” He added, “We’re not giving up on you. We’re gonna find you. Just… stay safe as best you can. We’ll find you.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, Sheriff Nanos cautioned that finding Nancy Guthrie could take “years.” He emphasized, however, that authorities will not give up on the search. “Maybe it’s an hour from now. Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”
The FBI is urging anyone with information related to the case to contact them through their tip line. Tips can be submitted confidentially.
