FBI Increases Reward to $100,000 in Search for Missing Woman, Mother of Today Host
The FBI is intensifying its search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing from her Tucson, Arizona home since . Authorities have increased the reward for information leading to her location and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance to $100,000, doubling the previous amount.
The FBI Phoenix office stated that anyone with “firsthand knowledge” of Guthrie’s whereabouts should contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The increased reward comes as investigators continue to analyze footage from a Nest doorbell camera that captured a potential suspect on Guthrie’s property shortly before she was reported missing.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe Guthrie was “taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night,” and that the incident may involve kidnapping or abduction. She was reported missing around midday on after failing to attend scheduled church services.
The FBI has released identifying details about the suspect, describing him 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 footage. Images of the backpack have also been released to the public in hopes of generating leads.
Family members have made numerous public appeals for Guthrie’s safe return and have requested proof that she is still alive. Authorities have noted that Guthrie has difficulty walking, has a pacemaker, and requires daily medication for a heart condition. These medical needs underscore the urgency of locating her.
To date, the FBI has received over 13,000 tips from the public since the investigation began. The initial reward of $50,000 was supplemented by an additional $100,000 from Tucson Crime Stoppers, bringing the total reward offered to $200,000 before being adjusted to focus the full $100,000 reward on information leading to Guthrie’s location or an arrest.
The ongoing search has spanned nearly three weeks, with fears and frustrations mounting as the case enters its 20th day. Investigators are continuing to analyze evidence and follow up on leads in an effort to determine Guthrie’s whereabouts and bring those responsible for her disappearance to justice.
