Savannah Guthrie Missing: FBI Doubles Reward as Search Intensifies

Desperate Search Continues for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother, Nancy Guthrie

The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues to intensify more than two weeks after she was first reported missing on February 1, 2026. Authorities are now awaiting pivotal DNA results from a glove recovered near the scene of her disappearance, while simultaneously clarifying details surrounding the ongoing investigation.

The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and/or the arrest and conviction of those involved, increasing it from $50,000 to $100,000. The increased reward comes as investigators grapple with a complex case and a growing sense of urgency, particularly given Nancy Guthrie’s fragile health. According to reports, she requires heart medication and her condition could deteriorate quickly without it.

Authorities are pushing back against earlier reports characterizing the disappearance as a “burglary gone wrong.” Brittany Abarr, spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, stated definitively on February 16, 2026, “PCSD has never stated that this was a burglary gone wrong. Any reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate. This remains a very active investigation.”

The FBI is also focusing on identifying a suspect described as a male of medium build, approximately 175-177cm in height. Investigators have identified the backpack carried by the suspect as a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. Preliminary DNA results have been received, but officials are awaiting quality control confirmation before entering the findings into the national database – a process expected to take approximately 24 hours.

Retired FBI agent Jason Pack explained the significance of DNA evidence, noting that while it’s a powerful tool, it’s often misunderstood. “A match doesn’t automatically equal guilt,” Pack told Fox News Digital. “It tells you that person’s biological material came into contact with that item at some point. You still need to build the narrative around it.” He emphasized the importance of establishing when, how, and whether there’s an innocent explanation for the presence of the DNA.

The investigation has already led to one arrest, though unrelated to the abduction itself. A man from California, Derrick Callella, was arrested for allegedly sending a fake ransom text to Guthrie’s family and has appeared in court. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Callella is accused of attempting to exploit the situation for monetary gain.

The FBI has received nearly 20,000 tips since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told Newsweek that the increase in the reward amount often indicates investigators are facing challenges. “When I see the FBI is offering more money for information that tells me that the FBI doesn’t have the information,” she said. “When you see a case quiet, where there’s no big amount of money offered, that means they are running leads, they really don’t need the public’s help. They need the public’s help right now.”

Savannah Guthrie’s children have also been actively appealing for help on social media, highlighting the family’s distress and desperation for their mother’s safe return. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at home by family members. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov, or to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520-351-4900) or 88-CRIME.