Tucson, Arizona – The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, continues to intensify as investigators pursue multiple leads in what authorities have now confirmed is a kidnapping. A significant operation took place Friday night at a residence near Guthrie’s home, involving more than a dozen vehicles, including SWAT and forensics teams, before roads reopened after approximately four hours, according to reports.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been working alongside the FBI, which has released new details about a suspect seen in doorbell camera footage. The suspect is described as a male approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall with an average build, and was observed carrying an Ozark Trail Hiker backpack. The FBI initially shared the footage two days prior to describing the individual as a suspect.
Investigators have also uncovered DNA evidence at Guthrie’s property that does not match her own or that of her close contacts. This DNA is currently undergoing analysis, officials said yesterday. Several gloves have been recovered – some as far as 10 miles from the residence – and are also being tested. Authorities clarified that no gloves were found inside or on Nancy Guthrie’s property, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance, raising it to $100,000. The 84-year-old has been missing for 13 days, having been last seen in the early hours of February 1st.
Law enforcement briefly detained an individual with possible connections to the case earlier this week, but that person was subsequently released without charges. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through their online tip portal at tips.fbi.gov. Individuals can also contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department directly at (520) 351-4900 or 88-CRIME.
The case has drawn national attention, and the Guthrie family continues to appeal for the public’s help in bringing Nancy home. The FBI’s forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage was instrumental in developing the initial suspect description, and investigators are now focused on tracing the Walmart-sold backpack seen in the footage.
Residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home have been asked to submit any surveillance video showing vehicles or people from roughly a month before her disappearance, as investigators attempt to piece together a timeline of events. Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that investigators are pursuing “good leads” but have not yet determined Guthrie’s whereabouts.
