The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, has unfolded with a unique set of challenges for investigators. Authorities are working to understand the motives behind the incident and identify a suspect seen on surveillance footage. The investigation, which began when Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1, has involved the collection of forensic evidence and public appeals from her family.
Timeline and Key Events
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen at her home on January 31. Her absence was noted when her family checked on her on the morning of February 1, after her pacemaker app indicated a disconnection from her phone around 2:28 AM. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initiated a search, and the FBI became involved, releasing surveillance photos of an individual present at Guthrie’s home in the early hours of her disappearance.
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January 31: Nancy Guthrie last seen at her Tucson, Arizona residence.
February 1: Reported missing. Pacemaker app shows disconnection from phone. FBI releases initial surveillance footage.
February 4: Savannah Guthrie and her siblings release a video plea for their mother's return.
February 12: FBI provides updated suspect details.
February 13: FBI releases further information on the suspect and increases the reward.
Evidence Collection and Forensic Findings
Investigators have gathered circumstantial evidence that points toward a targeted event. Forensic teams collected DNA from Guthrie’s property that does not match her or individuals close to her. In addition to the DNA, approximately 16 gloves were found in various areas near the house, and sources indicate DNA was retrieved from some of these. This collection of physical evidence is central to the ongoing analysis.
DNA Evidence: Found on Guthrie's property, not matching her or close contacts.
Gloves: Approximately 16 found near the residence, some yielding DNA.
Surveillance Footage: Shows a masked individual at Guthrie's home before her disappearance.
Suspect Description and Public Appeals
The FBI has released descriptions and surveillance images of a potential suspect. The individual is described as being 5-foot-9-inches to 5-foot-10-inches tall with an average build. Footage captured on the night of the disappearance shows a masked, armed individual approaching the home. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have publicly appealed to the suspect, urging them to "do the right thing" and facilitate their mother's safe return.
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"We will never give up on her. … We need to know that she’s still alive and that she’s okay." - Savannah Guthrie (paraphrased from various reports)
Investigative Focus and Challenges
Authorities have not yet identified a leading motive for Guthrie's disappearance. While investigators have collected significant forensic data, the lack of clear communication with the suspected captors and the specific circumstances of the event present investigative hurdles. Sources suggest investigators are leaning away from relatives as suspects, indicating a focus on external involvement.
Motive Uncertainty: No definitive leading theory on why Nancy Guthrie was targeted.
Suspect Identification: Ongoing efforts to identify the individual in surveillance footage.
Family Communication: FBI is unaware of direct communication between the family and suspected kidnappers.
Expert Insights on the Case
Former FBI agents have offered perspectives on the tactics and potential scenarios involved. One theory suggests the possibility of Guthrie being taken to Mexico, given the proximity of Tucson. The nature of the evidence, including the discarded gloves and the seemingly deliberate entry, has been characterized as indicative of a planned act.
Read More: Questions About Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case After Many Gloves Found
Targeted Event: Clues suggest Guthrie was specifically chosen.
Investigative Persistence: Law enforcement can maintain jurisdiction over crime scenes for extended periods.
Current Status and Next Steps
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to analyze collected evidence and seeking information from the public. The reward for information has been increased. The family has maintained a public presence, sharing videos and pleas for Nancy Guthrie's safe return, emphasizing their hope and commitment to finding her.
Ongoing Analysis: FBI and Sheriff's Department are processing forensic evidence.
Public Awareness: Reward increased to encourage tips.
Family Engagement: Siblings continue public appeals for information.
Sources
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/12/savannah-guthrie-mom-nancy-update-missing/88640252007/ - Published: 4 days ago. Focuses on FBI's description of the suspect and timelines.
AP News: https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-nancy-04be2a6d555109113f525aab0321dfc8 - Published: 20 hours ago. Details DNA evidence and family's social media appeals.
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/nancy-guthrie-investigation-live-updates-person-detained-released/?id=130050835 - Published: 15 hours ago. Reports on collected gloves and DNA, and shifts in suspect focus.
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/nancy-guthrie-news-updates-02-15-26 - Published: 1 day ago. Covers DNA findings, the suspect on doorbell video, and the lack of a leading motive.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/fbi-releases-new-details-about-suspect-in-nancy-guthrie-disappearance-and-increases-reward-for-information-13506951 - Published: 3 days ago. Details the FBI's suspect information and increases the reward.
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2026/02/05/us-news/clues-nancy-guthrie-was-targeted-as-ex-fbi-agent-offers-chilling-new-abduction-theory/ - Published: Feb 5, 2026. Features an ex-FBI agent's theory and highlights clues of targeting.
The Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2026/02/05/why-was-nancy-guthrie-abducted/88525652007/ - Published: Feb 5, 2026. Covers the family's video appeal and addresses the question of a suspect.
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/savannah-nancy-guthrie-suspect-update-kidnapping-surveillance-photo-11498673 - Published: 5 days ago. Explains the timeline of the disappearance, pacemaker data, and FBI suspect photos.
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/13/nx-s1-5713551/nancy-guthrie-case-fbi-suspect-reward - Published: 2 days ago. Details the FBI's description of the suspect from surveillance footage and the increased reward.
