What Happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1, 2026, from her home near Tucson, Arizona. Authorities believe she was taken from her residence against her will, prompting an extensive FBI investigation now in its tenth day.
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Breaking: FBI to Release New Surveillance Image The FBI is expected to release a photograph from a doorbell camera showing a potential subject in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. According to NBC News, the image shows a person appearing to wear a mask and carrying a backpack or tools. The bureau considers this individual a "subject" in the investigation and is appealing to the public for information.
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Timeline of Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance February 1, 2026 - The Day She Went Missing Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, when family members dropped her off at her home after dinner at her daughter Annie's residence. The following morning, when she failed to join her regular virtual church service via live stream at a friend's home, concern grew immediately.
Key Timeline Points:
- 2:12 AM, February 1: A surveillance camera at Guthrie's home detected a person on camera, though no video footage was captured initially (later recovered).
- 2:28 AM, February 1: Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker app disconnected from her iPhone.
- Morning, February 1: Friends noticed her absence from the planned virtual church viewing.
- February 1: Family members contacted, investigation begins.
February 4-10, 2026 - Investigation Intensifies The case has evolved rapidly with multiple developments:
- FBI joined the investigation, treating it as a suspected kidnapping.
- Purported ransom demands sent to media outlets.
- Multiple searches conducted at Nancy and daughter Annie's homes.
- Savannah Guthrie and siblings posted four separate video appeals.

Ransom Demands: What We Know $6 Million Bitcoin Demand Purported ransom notes were sent to CNN affiliate KGUN and other media outlets demanding $6 million in bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie's safe return. Two deadlines have been set and passed:
- First deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2026.
- Second deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
The notes included threats to Guthrie's life if demands were not met. TMZ founder Harvey Levin, who received one of the notes, described it as containing "a direct, stark statement about consequences" if payment wasn't received.
Important Note: The FBI has stated it is not aware of any direct communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers.
Critical Evidence in the Case Physical Evidence at the Scene Investigators have identified several crucial pieces of evidence:
- Blood on the Property: Blood found on Nancy Guthrie's front porch has been confirmed through forensic testing to belong to her. Video footage from local news stations showed blood visible on the front door and porch tiles.
- Missing Doorbell Camera: A front-door camera is missing from the home's "front door area." This camera was previously installed and investigators are uncertain when or how it was removed.
- Surveillance Alert: A camera at the residence triggered an alert at 2:12 AM on February 1, though the exact cause remains unclear—it could have been a person, animal, or other trigger.
- Pacemaker Data: Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker was connected to her iPhone. Data shows the connection was severed at 2:28 AM on February 1, approximately 16 minutes after the surveillance camera alert.

Investigation Activities Law enforcement has conducted extensive searches:
- Multiple visits to Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home.
- Searches at daughter Annie's nearby residence.
- Examination of a septic tank near the property on February 9.
- Forensic and digital evidence collection ongoing.
Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Appeals Four Videos Chart the Family's Desperation Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Camron and Annie, have posted four distinct video messages, each reflecting the evolving nature of the crisis:
- Video 1 (February 4): All three siblings appeared together, humanizing their mother and describing her health needs. They acknowledged potential ransom demands, stating "We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen."
- Video 2 (February 5): Camron Guthrie spoke alone, directly addressing potential kidnappers: "We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward."
- Video 3 (February 7): The siblings appeared together again, with Savannah acknowledging "your message" and stating clearly, "we will pay" for their mother's safe return.
- Video 4 (February 9): Savannah appeared alone, shifting focus to the public. "We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help," she said. "We are at an hour of desperation."


Law Enforcement Analysis Former FBI special agent Ken Gray analyzed the progression: "The first one is to humanize their mother; to try to get contact with them to start negotiations. The second one is much more shorter – 'Yes, we will pay.' This one [the fourth], on the other hand, is not towards the kidnapper. This one is towards the public seeking potential leads for law enforcement."
Who Is Nancy Guthrie? Nancy Guthrie is described by her children as a "kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light." The 84-year-old has several important health considerations:
- She has a pacemaker for heart monitoring.
- Requires regular medical care and medications.
- Was active in her church community, regularly attending virtual services.
- Lives independently in the Tucson, Arizona area.
FBI Investigation Details Federal Resources Deployed The FBI Phoenix field office has significantly escalated its response:
- FBI Director Kash Patel is receiving regular updates.
- Additional FBI personnel deploying to Tucson from across the nation.
- Coordination with Pima County Sheriff's Department.
- Public appeal for information: "Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home."
No Suspects Identified As of February 10, 2026:
- No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified (though updates on February 11 indicate a person detained for questioning).
- The FBI has not confirmed any direct contact between the family and potential kidnappers.
- Investigators are pursuing multiple leads.
- The case remains classified as a suspected kidnapping.
Expert Analysis: What Could Break the Case The Critical Role of Public Tips Troy Hillman, a retired Phoenix Police Department homicide sergeant, emphasized the importance of community involvement: "Somebody will see something or report something that will eventually push an outcome on this case. Because right now it just seems like we're in a gigantic holding pattern."
Former Tucson Police Department homicide investigator Benjamin Jimenez suggested the extensive searches indicate limited substantial leads: "They are trying to tie up any loose ends, any areas that they haven't checked."
Why Investigate a Septic Tank? CNN's chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst John Miller explained the thorough approach: "While they are investigating this kidnap angle, where else could she be? How is the sewage handled? Is there a septic tank? How is the garbage handled? Where does it go? You start to go through all of those possibilities."
How the "Today" Show Has Responded Network Rallies Around Colleague The NBC "Today" show has demonstrated strong support for Savannah Guthrie during this crisis:
- Former co-host Hoda Kotb stepped in to fill Savannah's anchor chair on February 9.
- Kotb stated Guthrie and her family were "our top priority."
- The show covered the story while respecting the family's privacy.
- Good Shepherd New York pastor Michael Rudzena appeared to discuss Nancy's virtual church attendance.
- Savannah Guthrie released an official statement about her mother's disappearance on the show on February 6, before stepping away to focus on the family crisis.
What You Can Do to Help FBI Requests Public Assistance The FBI Phoenix office is urging anyone with information to come forward:
- Contact Information: Call the FBI Phoenix Field Office, Submit tips through FBI.gov/tips, Contact Pima County Sheriff's Department, Reach out to local Tucson law enforcement.
What to Report:
- Any unusual activity in the area of Nancy Guthrie's home between January 31 and February 1.
- Suspicious vehicles or persons in the neighborhood.
- Any information about individuals matching descriptions from surveillance footage.
- Relevant digital communications or social media activity.
What Investigators Are Looking For Savannah Guthrie's latest appeal specifically asked the public to report "anything strange" they may have noticed:
- Unusual behavior in the neighborhood.
- Unfamiliar vehicles.
- Suspicious persons.
- Any detail, no matter how small, that seemed out of place.
The Broader Context: Kidnapping Cases and Outcomes Statistics and Resolution Rates While every case is unique, understanding kidnapping investigations helps provide context:
- Most stranger abductions involve ransom demands within 24-48 hours.
- The first 48-72 hours are typically most critical.
- Public involvement often provides breakthrough leads.
- Technology and surveillance have improved resolution rates.
Why This Case Has Garnered National Attention Several factors have elevated this case in public awareness:
- Savannah Guthrie's prominence as a national television personality.
- The victim's age and vulnerability.
- Unusual aspects including missing surveillance equipment.
- Public ransom demands sent to media outlets.
- The family's direct, emotional appeals.
Ongoing Developments What Happens Next The investigation continues with multiple active components:
- FBI image release: Expected public distribution of doorbell camera footage (now released, showing masked/armed person).
- Continued searches: Additional locations may be examined.
- Digital forensics: Analysis of communications, surveillance, and pacemaker data.
- Public response: Processing tips and leads from community members.
- Family communication: Potential ongoing contact with suspected kidnappers.
Media Coverage Continues National and local media outlets maintain ongoing coverage:
- CNN providing live updates.
- NBC News following developments closely.
- Local Tucson stations KGUN, KOLD, KTVK, and KNXV on the ground.
- TMZ and other outlets received purported ransom communications.
Frequently Asked Questions When did Nancy Guthrie go missing? Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, and was reported missing on February 1, 2026, when she failed to appear for her regular virtual church service.
Is there a ransom demand? Purported ransom notes demanding $6 million in bitcoin were sent to multiple media outlets, with two deadlines that have passed. The FBI has not confirmed direct communication between the family and kidnappers.
What evidence exists in the case? Key evidence includes blood confirmed to be Nancy's on her front porch, a missing doorbell camera, surveillance alerts at 2:12 AM on February 1, and pacemaker disconnection data at 2:28 AM.
Has anyone been arrested? No. As of February 10, 2026, the FBI has not identified any suspects or persons of interest publicly (updates indicate a detention for questioning on February 11).
How old is Nancy Guthrie? Nancy Guthrie is 84 years old and has health considerations including a pacemaker.
What has Savannah Guthrie said? Savannah Guthrie has posted four videos with her siblings, evolving from humanizing appeals to direct statements of willingness to pay, to public pleas for information.
Conclusion: A Case in Progress The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains an active, evolving investigation. With the FBI's forthcoming release of surveillance imagery and continued public appeals from both law enforcement and the Guthrie family, authorities are hopeful that community involvement will provide the breakthrough needed to bring Nancy home safely.
As the case enters its second week, the combination of federal resources, media attention, and public awareness creates conditions for potential resolution. Anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, is encouraged to contact authorities immediately.
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