Arizona Authorities Uncover Chilling Details in Abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother: Masked Intruder Exposed in Surveillance Footage

TUCSON, Arizona – The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped the nation as authorities confirm it was a forcible abduction from her Tucson home. What began as a routine welfare check has evolved into a high-stakes kidnapping investigation involving the FBI, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and thousands of public tips. As of February 13, 2026, Nancy remains missing, but new evidence—including doorbell camera footage of a masked suspect—has intensified the search and raised questions about motive and identity.

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Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, when family members, including daughter Annie, dropped her off at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue after a family gathering. She failed to appear for a virtual church service the next morning, prompting relatives to check her home. Finding no sign of her, they reported her missing around noon on February 1. Authorities quickly ruled out wandering due to her limited mobility and signs of forced entry, including blood on the porch confirmed as hers via DNA.

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Savannah, mom Nancy Guthrie in photos together

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated early on that a crime had occurred, describing the scene as one of abduction rather than voluntary disappearance. “She couldn’t have gone far on her own,” he emphasized. The investigation escalated when the FBI joined, releasing surveillance images and video from Nancy’s Nest doorbell camera. The footage shows a masked individual—armed with a handgun in a holster, gloved, and carrying a black 24-25 liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack—approaching the front door in the early morning hours. The suspect, analyzed as male, 5’9″ to 5’10” tall with an average build, appears to tamper with the camera.

Suspect detained in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, police say | SBS News

The FBI Phoenix office confirmed these details on February 12, doubling the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible. Director Kash Patel shared the black-and-white stills and clips on social media, urging the public to review footage from the area.

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Pima County Sheriff’s Department reportedly blocks FBI from accessing Nancy Guthrie evidence – KTAR.com

Savannah Guthrie, flanked by siblings Annie and Camron, has made emotional public pleas. In one video, she addressed potential captors directly: “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.” The family has expressed willingness to pay ransom, though no verified demands have been confirmed. A new message surfaced, reviewed by authorities, and fake ransom notes led to a California man’s arrest for fraud.

Investigators have followed thousands of leads, including detaining a man in Rio Rico (south of Tucson) on February 10 after a traffic stop. He was released after questioning, insisting his innocence. Tensions arose when Sheriff Nanos reportedly blocked FBI access to some evidence—like a glove and DNA—for independent lab processing in Florida, delaying federal forensic aid.

Experts speculate the motive may tie to Savannah’s high-profile status, possibly obsession or targeted extortion rather than random crime. One analyst suggested the abductor might have known the family or exploited their visibility. Door-to-door canvassing in Catalina Foothills and searches of roadways continue, with SWAT teams and helicopters involved.

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The case highlights vulnerabilities for elderly residents living alone and the emotional toll on families. Savannah shared throwback videos of her mother—described as “kind, faithful, fiercely loving”—to humanize the search. A local Tucson station displayed banners reading “Bring her home.”

As the investigation enters its second week, authorities stress persistence. “We gotta find her,” Sheriff Nanos said. The FBI continues processing tips and urges anyone with information on the suspect or unusual activity near the home to contact them.

Nancy Guthrie’s abduction has transcended typical missing persons cases, drawing national attention due to her daughter’s prominence and the chilling visuals of the intruder. The family remains in agony, holding onto hope amid the darkness.