Tucson, Arizona – Investigators now believe the masked individual seen on doorbell camera footage at the home of 84-year-vintage Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, visited the property on more than one occasion, potentially before the night she disappeared. This modern detail, revealed by a source familiar with the investigation, adds another layer to the complex search for Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1.
The FBI released images from a doorbell camera on February 10, showing a person wearing a mask and, in one instance, a backpack. According to the source, the photos were taken on different days, as the suspect is not wearing the backpack in one of the images. This suggests a possible reconnaissance visit prior to the night authorities believe Guthrie was abducted. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been coordinating with federal authorities in the search, scouring the desert landscape surrounding Guthrie’s secluded Tucson home.
Search Intensifies, Reward Increased
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, after being dropped off at her home by her son-in-law following dinner. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, and drops of her blood were found on the front porch, though details about the evidence have not been publicly released. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially asked residents in the area to submit video footage dating back to January 1, with a specific focus on January 11 and January 31, hoping to uncover clues about potential vehicles or individuals of interest.
The FBI has described the suspect as a male approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall with an average build. Investigators determined the suspect was wearing an Ozark backpack in at least one of the images, and are working to identify the origin of other items seen in the footage. Detectives have as well visited local gun shops, examining holsters similar to the one worn by the suspect in the video, which the sheriff described as having “some pretty unique characteristics.”
Conflicting Statements on Photo Timestamps
While a source indicated the photos released by the FBI were taken on different days, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement Monday stating, “There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative.” The department emphasized that the investigation remains active and that conclusions will be based on verifiable evidence. CNN reported reaching out to the FBI Phoenix office for comment but had not received a response as of Monday.
DNA Evidence Yields No Immediate Matches
The search for Nancy Guthrie has involved extensive forensic analysis. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, DNA found on gloves discovered approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home did not match any profiles in the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, nor did it match DNA found inside the home. Sixteen gloves were recovered during the search of the area surrounding Guthrie’s residence. Law enforcement has also briefly detained and released two individuals as part of the investigation, but their connection to the case remains unclear.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Despite the lack of a definitive motive, authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will and have not ruled out the possibility of multiple individuals being involved. Detectives and agents were back canvassing Guthrie’s neighborhood as recently as Saturday, though details of that activity have not been released. Savannah Guthrie, who has been absent from the “Today” show since her mother’s disappearance, and her family have repeatedly pleaded for her safe return, addressing purported ransom notes that have surfaced in media reports. Law enforcement has not confirmed the authenticity of these notes or whether any contact has been made with the sender.
A reward of up to $102,500 is being offered by 88-Crime, the Pima County and Tucson affiliate of Crime Stoppers, for information leading to an arrest in the case. The FBI is also offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to Guthrie’s recovery. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active, with authorities continuing to review thousands of hours of surveillance footage and analyze forensic evidence. The next confirmed step in the case is the continued analysis of evidence collected and ongoing canvassing efforts in the Tucson area.
This is a developing story. If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.
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