FBI Releases Images of Masked Person in Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother
Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, released surveillance images Tuesday showing a masked person near her Arizona home the day she went missing. The images, captured by a doorbell camera, depict an individual appearing to tamper with the device.
The FBI released video showing the person wearing a backpack, long sleeves, and pants walking up to the door of Guthrie’s home outside Tucson on January 31. The footage shows the individual attempting to cover the doorbell camera with a gloved hand and then using plants to obstruct the camera’s view.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the individual appeared to be “armed” and had “tampered with the camera.” It remains unclear whether a handgun was actually present in a holster visible in the images.
The videos were recovered from “back-end systems” after investigators spent days attempting to locate lost, corrupted, or inaccessible images, Patel said.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on January 31 and reported missing around noon on February 1 after failing to attend church. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.
Investigators had been hopeful that the home’s security cameras would provide evidence regarding her disappearance. However, the doorbell camera was disconnected early on February 1. While software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription, preventing the recovery of footage, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
The release of the surveillance images represents the first major break in the investigation, which has been marked by unanswered questions, including whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive. Law enforcement and the Guthrie family have intensified their calls for public assistance.
Savannah Guthrie shared the new surveillance images on social media Tuesday, accompanied by a message stating, “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home,” along with contact numbers for the FBI and the county sheriff. The post quickly garnered thousands of comments.
Up until now, authorities have released limited details, leaving uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of ransom notes demanding money with deadlines that have already passed, and whether the Guthrie family has had any contact with potential abductors.
The Guthrie family has released a series of videos over the past week, each with a different tone. Savannah Guthrie’s most recent message, delivered alone, was described as more bleak. “We are at an hour of desperation,” she said Monday, appealing to the public: “We need your help.”
DNA tests confirmed that blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s front porch matched her DNA.
Law enforcement officials were seen canvassing neighborhoods near Nancy Guthrie’s home and the home of her daughter, Annie Guthrie, on Tuesday.
Three days after the search began, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued their first public appeal to the kidnappers, stating, “we want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.” In the recorded video, Guthrie acknowledged media reports about a ransom letter, but emphasized their priority was confirming their mother was alive.
“Please reach out to us,” they said.
Authorities have not confirmed the credibility of the letters sent to several media outlets but stated that all tips are being investigated thoroughly.
The following day, Savannah Guthrie’s brother again urged the kidnappers to make contact “so we can move forward.”
The family then released another video that was more cryptic, further fueling speculation about Nancy Guthrie’s fate. “We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” Savannah Guthrie said, flanked by her siblings.
“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Ahead of a deadline mentioned in a purported ransom note, Savannah Guthrie turned to the public, urging people nationwide to be vigilant “no matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything.”
The FBI has begun posting digital billboards in major cities from Texas to California.
FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan stated Monday that the agency was not aware of any ongoing communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers. Authorities have also not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
“Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home,” Hagan said.
Authorities have noted that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication for high blood pressure and heart issues, including a pacemaker.
