Amanda CastroHannah ParryKhaleda Rahman

+1

By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, Khaleda Rahman, and Shane Croucher

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Pima County Sheriff's Department said on Friday, in their latest update on the investigation into the suspected kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy, that “investigators are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person may be involved.” Only one person was seen in the surveillance footage taken from 84-year-old Nancy's doorbell camera, but emails sent to TMZ by someone who claims to have knowledge of the abduction, refers to multiple people being involved.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has urged the media to start reporting on "other subjects" rather than the disappearance of Nancy. "It's so bad," Trump said. "We have to start reporting on other subjects also and see what happens. It's a very sad situation."

Two young girls visit the memorial set up near the driveway to Nancy Guthrie's residence on February 19, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.

...

What To Know

Newsweek's live blog is closed.

In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.

When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.

Feb 20, 2026 at 06:33 PM EST

Home security brands face scrutiny after FBI recovers Guthrie doorbell footage

The doorbell video recovered from Nancy Guthrie’s Google Nest camera has become a pivotal piece of evidence in the investigation into her disappearance — and it has thrust major home‑security companies into the national spotlight. The FBI’s release of the footage, which shows a masked individual at Guthrie’s front door, has prompted renewed attention on how devices from Nest, Ring, Blink and similar brands store and safeguard user data.

Investigators initially said the footage was inaccessible because Guthrie did not have a paid subscription that preserves long‑term video history. But the FBI later confirmed it had retrieved the clip from backend systems, raising questions about how cloud‑based security data is retained and under what circumstances it can be recovered.

Feb 20, 2026 at 06:12 PM EST

WATCH: Savannah Guthrie’s most recent video plea

Feb 20, 2026 at 05:47 PM EST

Investigators consider multiple-suspect scenario in Guthrie abduction

Authorities searching for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie say they are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person was involved in her disappearance, widening the scope of an already complex investigation. A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said detectives are still working to identify the masked man seen on Guthrie’s doorbell camera but emphasized that he may not have acted alone.

The FBI‑released footage shows a man tampering with the camera in the early hours of February 1. A separate still image, taken from the same device, shows a similarly dressed individual but without the backpack or holster visible in the video — a discrepancy that has fueled speculation among former law‑enforcement officials and online analysts that a second suspect may have been present.

Additional clues have raised similar questions. Drone footage captured what appear to be broken floodlights behind the home, a detail retired police lieutenant Randy Sutton said could indicate coordinated efforts to disable visibility. He also noted that removing an adult from a residence is typically easier with multiple people involved.

Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone pointed to the blood found on Guthrie’s front steps as another sign of a waiting getaway vehicle positioned out of sight. With cell‑tower data yielding no leads, he suggested investigators may need to explore alternative digital traces, such as Wi‑Fi or short‑range communication devices.

Feb 20, 2026 at 05:20 PM EST

Officials urge public to submit actionable tips as Guthrie search intensifies

Authorities investigating the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie are asking the public to be more precise when calling in tips, as the volume of non‑actionable information continues to overwhelm dispatchers. NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz reported from Tucson that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been forced to add four extra dispatchers per shift after thousands of calls poured in following Guthrie’s February 1 disappearance.

According to the dispatch manager, many callers are offering theories, opinions or even “premonitions,” rather than concrete information investigators can use. Officials are urging anyone considering a tip to pause and ask whether it is something detectives can realistically act on.

Investigators, meanwhile, continue to analyze details from the security footage showing a masked man at Guthrie’s home. Kreutz noted that a ballistics expert believes the holster seen in the video is a “universal fit” model — the kind typically used by inexperienced gun owners — suggesting the suspect may not be a trained professional.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has also asked for patience as forensic teams process an unknown DNA sample recovered from Guthrie’s property. Detectives are now using genetic genealogy to try to identify the source, a method that has helped solve major cases such as the Golden State Killer and the Idaho student murders. Public DNA databases may help investigators build a family tree, though private consumer databases remain off‑limits.

Authorities have also canvassed local gun shops and are coordinating with agencies on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border, though there is no evidence Guthrie was taken into Mexico.

Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on January 31. No suspects have been named, and a $100,000 reward remains in place for information leading to her recovery. Her daughter, Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, has stepped away from the show and continues to release emotional appeals with her siblings, asking for proof of life and pleading for their mother’s safe return. The Today team has shown visible support, wearing yellow ribbons and filling the studio with yellow flowers in her honor.

Feb 20, 2026 at 04:45 PM EST

Tucson residents say Guthrie disappearance has shaken their sense of safety

Residents in Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson neighborhood say daily life has changed dramatically since the 84‑year‑old vanished more than two weeks ago. A group of locals who gather for coffee each morning told FOX & Friends Weekend that the disappearance has rattled a community known for its calm and close‑knit feel.

“Tucson is a very tight community and a very secure community, and this has rattled quite a few people,” a resident named Jim said, noting that the national attention surrounding the case is unlike anything the area is used to. He added that neighbors are united in hoping investigators find Guthrie and bring her home safely.

Another resident, Terry, said the incident has left many older adults feeling newly vulnerable. “A lot of elderly people live in this area, they are by themselves, like Mrs. Guthrie,” he said. “A lot of people are locking their doors now, that didn’t before.”

Longtime resident Mary echoed that shift, saying the disappearance has upended her sense of security. “I’ve always felt safe and secure, and suddenly that has gone away,” she said. “I can’t imagine what her family is going through — not knowing where your mother is is unthinkable.”

Feb 20, 2026 at 04:18 PM EST

Former Idaho police chief sees parallels — and pressure — in Guthrie investigation

When four University of Idaho students were killed in 2022, then–Moscow Police Chief James Fry found himself thrust into a national spotlight he never expected. Within days, satellite trucks crowded his parking lot, reporters demanded answers, and his small department was inundated with tips. Looking back, Fry says the scrutiny was unlike anything he had faced in his career — and he sees echoes of that pressure now in the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie.

Guthrie, the mother of Today co‑host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson‑area home more than two weeks ago. The case has drawn intense national attention, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has become the public face of the sprawling investigation. Like Fry in Idaho, Nanos is navigating a high‑stakes search with limited information, a flood of public interest, and a community desperate for answers.

The Guthrie case has unfolded with the kind of twists that fuel national fascination: a masked intruder caught on camera, ransom‑style messages, false leads, and small but significant pieces of evidence — including gloves found miles from the home and DNA still being analyzed. Experts say the case stands out because stranger abductions of older adults are exceedingly rare.

Fry remembers how the Idaho investigation turned on two key breakthroughs: surveillance footage of a vehicle and DNA recovered from a knife sheath. Those leads eventually pointed investigators to Bryan Kohberger, though it took seven weeks to track him down. He believes Arizona investigators may be on a similar path, with video and DNA again forming the backbone of the case.

But Fry also knows the toll such cases take. He said he didn’t sleep through the night until after Kohberger’s plea deal — more than two years after the murders. The pressure, he said, is relentless, especially when the public demands answers faster than investigators can produce them.

Feb 20, 2026 at 03:48 PM EST

Who Nancy Guthrie’s children are as search continues

As the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie continues, attention has also turned to her family, including her two older children, Annie and Camron, who have been supporting the investigation alongside their sister, Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Annie Guthrie

Annie, Savannah’s older sister, is a writer and jeweler whose work has been featured by the Arizona Commission on the Arts. She published a poetry collection titled The Good Dark and serves as marketing and publicity director for Kore Press, according to the University of Arizona Poetry Center. Annie lives near their mother, and investigators have searched her property as part of the case. She is married to Tommaso Cioni.

Tommaso Cioni

Cioni, Annie’s husband, was the family member who dropped Nancy off at her home the night she disappeared, Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times. A Parade.com report notes that he and Annie share a son and that a LinkedIn profile that appears to belong to him lists more than a decade of teaching experience in Tucson.

Camron Guthrie

Camron, Savannah’s older brother, is a retired F‑16 pilot who served with the Vermont Air National Guard. He appeared with Savannah in a 2012 Today segment documenting an F‑16 flight. Savannah later marked his 2018 retirement on Instagram, noting his 26 years of service. He is a father of two.

Read more here.

Feb 20, 2026 at 03:22 PM EST

Expert suggests Guthrie kidnapping may be personal, not financial

A missing‑persons specialist says the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie may have been driven by a personal motive rather than money, despite the circulation of ransom notes in the early days of the case. Michael Gould, a retired NYPD lieutenant who spoke to The Mirror US, said the details emerging so far do not resemble a traditional financially motivated abduction.

Gould pointed to several red flags: Guthrie’s age and medical vulnerability, the absence of proof of life, and ransom notes that appeared “unusually polished—possibly AI‑generated,” according to the document. He argued that if the abductor truly wanted payment, “proof of life would be essential. No one sends money without it,” a line included in the uploaded text. Instead, he believes the circumstances suggest an “emotional connection,” possibly involving someone who knew Guthrie or her family.

He also raised the possibility that the ransom notes themselves may be a diversion, noting in the document that they “may be a distraction, and maybe even not sent by the kidnapper.”

The case is now in its third week with no arrests and no publicly named suspects. Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows a masked individual tampering with Guthrie’s home security system before she vanished. Investigators are analyzing DNA found at the scene and pursuing genetic genealogy after early samples failed to match federal databases.

As the search continues, Guthrie’s daughter, Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, has stepped away from the show to focus on the investigation and has posted multiple emotional appeals for her mother’s safe return. The document notes that some insiders believe “there is ‘no way’ Savannah will return to the show,” though she has not commented publicly on her future.

Feb 20, 2026 at 02:55 PM EST

Expert says Guthrie abduction appears targeted, not random

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said it’s possible Nancy Guthrie was specifically targeted, though investigators have not determined whether her daughter Savannah Guthrie’s public profile played a role. One retired FBI agent believes the evidence points strongly in that direction.

Harry Trombitas, a former FBI special agent, told Yahoo that the circumstances don’t resemble a random break‑in. “I still believe it was targeted,” he said, noting that the intruder appeared to know someone was inside and may have assumed the family had financial means. He added that in a typical burglary, there would be no reason to take the homeowner.

Trombitas said many questions about the suspect’s planning and motive will remain unanswered until investigators identify and interview the person seen in the recovered doorbell footage. For now, he said, the behavior suggests intent rather than chance.

Feb 20, 2026 at 02:39 PM EST

Investigators consider possibility of multiple suspects in Guthrie abduction

Authorities searching for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie say they have not ruled out the possibility that more than one person was involved in her disappearance, widening the scope of an already complex investigation. A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Friday that while detectives are working to identify the masked man seen on Guthrie’s doorbell camera, they are not assuming he acted alone.

The FBI‑released footage shows a man wearing gloves, a face covering and a holstered weapon tampering with the camera in the early hours of Feb. 1. A separate still image, also taken from the same camera, shows a similarly dressed man but without the backpack or holster seen in the video — a discrepancy that has fueled speculation among former law‑enforcement officials and online observers that a second suspect may have been present.

Drone footage obtained by Fox News also revealed what appear to be broken floodlights behind the home. Retired police lieutenant Randy Sutton said disabling exterior lighting is a common tactic used to avoid detection and could indicate coordinated activity. He added that removing an adult from a home is typically easier with multiple people involved.

Other experts have echoed that view. Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone noted that blood found on Guthrie’s front steps suggests she may have been moved toward a waiting vehicle parked out of sight. He said investigators may need to explore unconventional digital clues — including Wi‑Fi or device‑to‑device signals — as traditional cell‑tower data has not produced leads.

Feb 20, 2026 at 02:17 PM EST

Ex-FBI agent warns Trump’s death penalty threat removes agency’s leverage

President Donald Trump’s threats to impose the “most severe” federal consequences Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnappers if she's not returned safely, may actually damage the investigation, former FBI special agent Josh Campbell told CNN.

“You want to cool things down. This is the opposite of that, because there is no leverage,” he said, referring to Trump's warning he would use the death penalty against the suspects if Guthrie was killed or harmed.

“If you’re an investigator, you’re looking at that thinking, ‘not now Mr. President. This is just not part of our strategy,” Campbell said.

Meanwhile, Guthrie's daughter Savannah took a very different tone when she appealed to her mother's captors in a Sunday video, telling them, “it’s never too late, and you’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing.”

Feb 20, 2026 at 01:46 PM EST

WATCH: FBI and police activity near Nancy Guthrie’s home

Feb 20, 2026 at 01:22 PM EST

Investigators working to locate Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker

Investigators are trying to track down Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker as the search for Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother extends into its third week.

Pima County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Tuesday, "Investigators are attempting to locate the device and are working with the manufacturer and other experts in the field to assist in that effort."

Nancy has a pacemaker which had last synced with her devices on the night she went missing. But authorities had previously said they were unable to track down the device.

Feb 20, 2026 at 01:05 PM EST

How the Guthrie family was possibly cleared

Searches for Guthrie are now in their third week. The Pima Sheriff's Department did not offer details on how Guthrie's family members were cleared as suspects.

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer listed on social media the standard factors that allow investigators to rule someone out as a suspect.

"Alibi meaning unequivocal evidence they weren't there," she said. "Media scrub—Analysis of texts, emails, SM, Google searches proved negative for any nexus to Nancy's disappearance; DNA not at scene."

"Passed Polygraph; cooperated with search efforts that turned up negative; good relationship with victim; no evidence of contracting anyone to abduct Nancy," Coffindaffer continued.

On Sunday, crime scene investigator and forensic expert Sheryl McCollum discussed theories about the suspect's motives on Fox News' Fox and Friends, saying the assailant's behavior, as seen in security footage, was unusual and that the attack was likely not a home invasion.

"If you look at him, he's got a backpack that is filled. Well, that's not a home invasion. You do a home invasion because there's drugs there; there's money there; there's valuables. He doesn't have an empty backpack to fill it," McCollum said.

She added that if it were a home invasion and Guthrie had been accidentally harmed "she would be right there dead in that house."

Feb 20, 2026 at 12:37 PM EST

TMZ steps into unusual role in Guthrie case

With the sender refusing to contact law enforcement, TMZ has become an unexpected intermediary. Founder Harvey Levin said in a Fox News interview that he offered to receive the information, timestamp it, and immediately pass it to the FBI so the tipster could still be credited if the information leads to Guthrie’s recovery.

Levin said the FBI was informed of his plan in advance and did not object, underscoring how seriously investigators are treating the messages.

Feb 20, 2026 at 12:19 PM EST

TMZ raises doubts about how kidnapper’s glove ended up miles away

Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, said in an interview with Fox News that conversations with law enforcement have left him puzzled about one of the most publicized pieces of evidence in the Guthrie case — the glove found two miles from her home.

Levin told Sean Hannity that investigators hope the glove contains the kidnapper’s DNA, but he finds its location unusual. He noted that a kidnapper wearing bulky gloves would likely remove them before driving, making it unclear how one glove ended up in a field far from the home.

Law enforcement sources, he said, also find the detail “odd,” though they caution that logic doesn’t always apply in abduction cases.

Feb 20, 2026 at 11:55 AM EST

Police share safety tips for protecting older adults as Guthrie search nears fourth week

With the search for Nancy Guthrie now closing out its third week, law enforcement officials are urging families to take extra steps to safeguard older relatives. Derby Police Lt. Caleb Rue said, in an interview with KWCH, that the most effective protections come down to strong home security and consistent daily check-ins.

Rue encouraged families to contact their loved ones at least once a day and to ensure seniors’ homes are equipped with reliable security measures. He pointed to sturdy door locks, video doorbells that send alerts directly to caregivers’ phones, and full-home security systems that monitor entry points, such as garage doors.

He also noted that paying for short-term video storage subscriptions can be worthwhile, especially when families are traveling or experiencing heightened concern. Stored footage, he said, often becomes crucial evidence. “I can’t tell you how many cases we’ve solved because residents shared their camera images,” Rue explained, adding that everything from petty thefts to more serious incidents has been cracked with the help of home surveillance.

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services reminds older adults and their families that local resource centers can provide guidance on staying independent and reducing safety risks.

Feb 20, 2026 at 11:39 AM EST

New search efforts bring no breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie case

A fresh wave of law‑enforcement activity in a quiet Tucson‑area neighborhood briefly raised hopes for a breakthrough in the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie — but once again ended without an arrest or clear lead. Federal agents and Pima County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant late Friday, surrounding a home and towing a nearby Range Rover, only to announce later that the operation had produced no evidence pointing to Guthrie’s whereabouts.

It was the second time in recent days that an aggressive tactical response yielded no progress. Earlier last week, investigators detained a man in Rio Rico for hours before determining he was not connected to the case. Sheriff Chris Nanos acknowledged the frustration, saying the investigation has been marked by promising moments that quickly collapse into dead ends.

Guthrie was taken from her home in the early hours of Feb. 1, leaving behind blood on the front stoop and few other clues. A ransom note surfaced the next day, followed by additional messages sent to media outlets, though authorities have cautioned that the communications may be hoaxes. The most significant lead remains doorbell‑camera footage showing a masked man with a gun, gloves and a backpack approaching Guthrie’s front door.

Investigators have traced the gloves seen in the footage to a pair found two miles away, which carried the DNA of an unknown man. That profile did not match samples from Guthrie’s home or entries in federal databases, prompting plans to pursue genetic genealogy.

Despite the lack of answers, the search remains urgent. Former FBI officials note that investigators are operating at an accelerated pace because they must assume Guthrie is still alive and in danger. Nanos has publicly cleared Guthrie’s children and their spouses, calling them victims who have cooperated fully.

Feb 20, 2026 at 11:17 AM EST

Online sleuths fuel false accusations as Guthrie family endures scrutiny

As investigators continue searching for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, a parallel drama has unfolded online, where amateur sleuths have spent weeks speculating — often inaccurately and aggressively — about who might be responsible for her disappearance. With little public information to go on, social‑media users on YouTube, Reddit, X and livestream platforms quickly zeroed in on Guthrie’s family, spinning theories that Sheriff Chris Nanos says were not only baseless but harmful.

By Monday, three weeks into the investigation, Nanos had reached his limit. In an unusually blunt statement, he publicly cleared Guthrie’s children and their spouses, saying he was “tired” of watching victims be “revictimized by some knuckleheads out there.” He later told reporters that the speculation had become so pervasive it risked damaging investigators’ relationship with the family — a critical source of information in a case with few solid leads.

The disappearance of Guthrie, the mother of Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, has drawn intense national attention, amplified by a booming true‑crime ecosystem that thrives on real‑time mystery. Content creators have flocked to the Tucson neighborhood where she vanished, livestreaming from the street and dissecting every development. Others have monetized the frenzy from afar, with gossip sites publishing constant updates and even a betting market emerging online.

Experts say the dynamic is increasingly common. The rise of true‑crime entertainment has conditioned audiences to treat unfolding investigations like interactive puzzles, despite lacking the training or access to evidence that law enforcement relies on. The result, officials warn, is a flood of false leads that diverts resources and inflicts emotional damage on families already in crisis.

Feb 20, 2026 at 11:10 AM EST

Karoline Leavitt cuts off Trump’s comments on Nancy Guthrie search

President Donald Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, as he urged the media to starting reporting on "other subjects" rather than the suspected kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy.

"It's so bad," Trump said. "We have to start reporting on other subjects also and see what happens. It's a very sad situation."

The president began discussing the latest move by investigators to try and track down Nancy's pacemaker, which has been covered by the press, when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt interrupted him, to indicate the plane was ready to take off.

""It's a very sad situation," Trump added. "Yeah, I have to take off. "I'll come back. All right?"

Feb 20, 2026 at 10:55 AM EST

Megyn Kelly draws criticism for speculating about Guthrie family dynamics

Megyn Kelly is facing pushback after using her podcast to question the relationship between Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie and her sister, Annie, as the family continues to search for their missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Kelly revisited an older Today segment featuring Savannah’s return to Tucson and noted that Annie appeared on camera but did not speak, suggesting it hinted at possible tension.

Kelly went further, speculating that Annie may have carried more of the day‑to‑day responsibilities for their mother and implying that such dynamics can breed resentment. She also warned that public figures who highlight personal details about their families risk attracting unwanted attention, recounting advice she said she once received about keeping private life off‑air.

Her comments contrast sharply with how the Guthrie sisters have described their bond. Annie has publicly called their relationship “like the sun and the moon,” saying they share each other’s joys and sorrows. Savannah has echoed that sentiment in interviews and in her 2024 book, where she wrote that Annie is her “forever partner in life” and praised her as wise, creative and deeply supportive.

The speculation comes at a sensitive moment for the family. Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, and Savannah, Annie and their brother Camron have appeared together in emotional video appeals pleading for her safe return.

Feb 20, 2026 at 10:34 AM EST

WATCH: Nancy Guthrie case is ‘unusual,’ says ex-FBI agent

Feb 20, 2026 at 10:16 AM EST

New A&E series puts spotlight on Pima County Sheriff’s Office as Guthrie search intensifies

As the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie stretches into another week, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office is drawing added national attention — not only because of the high‑profile investigation, but also due to the recent debut of a television series featuring the department.

A&E’s new 10‑episode limited series Desert Law, which premiered in early January, offers viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the country’s largest sheriff’s departments. Filmed throughout the spring and summer of 2025, the show follows patrol deputies, night‑shift detectives, and DUI units as they respond to calls across the county. Sheriff Chris Nanos does not appear on camera but worked closely with producers to coordinate access.

The timing of the series rollout coincides with the department’s most urgent case: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today co‑host Savannah Guthrie, who was taken from her Tucson home in the early hours of Feb. 1. Deputies featured in the show are now among those canvassing neighborhoods, processing evidence, and working alongside the FBI in the sprawling investigation.

The latest episode, “Weapons Found,” aired Wednesday and includes footage of deputies responding to incidents involving firearms — a reminder of the daily realities of policing in a state with some of the nation’s loosest gun laws.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have continued to plead publicly for their mother’s safe return, releasing emotional messages urging whoever is responsible to come forward. “We still have hope, and we still believe,” she said in a recent video.

Feb 20, 2026 at 09:59 AM EST

Sheriff pushes back as online sleuths target Guthrie family with baseless claims

As investigators continue searching for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is confronting a different kind of challenge: a wave of unfounded accusations from online commentators who have turned the case into a true‑crime spectacle. Three weeks into the investigation, Nanos said he had grown frustrated with the barrage of amateur theories circulating on social media, many of which targeted Guthrie’s children and their spouses.

The speculation — ranging from inheritance conspiracies to armchair behavioral analysis — spread rapidly across YouTube, Reddit, X, and livestream platforms. Some content creators confidently named family members as “prime suspects,” despite having no access to evidence. Nanos said the claims were not only wrong but cruel, prompting him to publicly clear Guthrie’s children and their partners, a step he had hoped to avoid until an arrest was made.

“I need to step in when my victims are being revictimized by some knuckleheads out there,” he said.

The disappearance of Guthrie, the mother of Today co‑host Savannah Guthrie, has drawn intense national attention — and with it, a booming ecosystem of true‑crime influencers, livestreamers, and speculators. Crowds of content creators have gathered on Guthrie’s street alongside traditional media outlets, while others broadcast theories from afar. The attention has generated tens of thousands of tips, but many are baseless, diverting investigators from credible leads.

Experts say the frenzy reflects a broader trend: the rise of real‑time, crowdsourced crime‑solving fueled by social media engagement. But the consequences can be damaging. Innocent people have been wrongly accused in past high‑profile cases, including the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.

Local leaders say the behavior has crossed a line. Arizona state representative Alma Hernandez called the online speculation “creepy” and dangerous, noting that some influencers have followed police vehicles or misidentified bystanders. Friends of Guthrie say the accusations have deeply hurt the family, who are already living through a nightmare.

“It hurts the family,” said longtime friend Kris Federhar. “Why are we putting salt on the open wound?”

Feb 20, 2026 at 09:40 AM EST

Tip lines overwhelmed as Guthrie search enters third week

The 911 communications center handling calls in the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie has been inundated with messages, many of them unrelated to actionable leads, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Dispatch manager Cecila Ochoa said the surge includes a flood of theories, hunches and speculation rather than concrete information that could help investigators. She urged the public to pause before calling and consider whether what they’re reporting is “viable” or “credible.”

Call volume has soared since Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. In the first 18 days of February, the department logged more than 31,000 calls — up from roughly 20,800 during the same period last year. The FBI has separately received more than 19,000 tips, and roughly 400 federal agents and sheriff’s deputies remain assigned to the case, which authorities have described as a likely abduction.

Guthrie was last seen the night of January 31. Days later, the FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked man with a gun, gloves and a backpack tampering with her doorbell camera in the early hours of February 1. Investigators say the man, believed to be between 5'9" and 5'10", was wearing a 25‑liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — the only item of clothing they have been able to positively identify.

A glove resembling the one worn by the suspect was found two miles from Guthrie’s home and contained DNA from an unknown male. That profile did not match DNA recovered inside the home, nor did it match any entries in CODIS. Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are now turning to genetic genealogy to analyze a partial sample found at the house.

Authorities have not said whether there were signs of forced entry, but blood found on the porch is believed to be Guthrie’s. Her daughter, TODAY co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, has continued to post emotional appeals urging her mother’s captor to make contact, saying the family is willing to pay and pleading, “We still have hope and we still believe.”

Feb 20, 2026 at 09:12 AM EST

Expert says DNA breakthrough could be key to identifying Guthrie suspect

A leading forensic genealogist says she is optimistic that DNA recovered from the home of missing 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie will eventually lead investigators to the person responsible for her disappearance. CeCe Moore, speaking on TODAY, said she was encouraged to learn that authorities had confirmed the presence of an unknown individual’s DNA at the scene, calling it “fantastic” progress in a case now in its third week.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the DNA may belong to the masked suspect seen in surveillance footage wearing gloves, a balaclava and a holstered weapon. While a glove found two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson home produced no matches in CODIS and did not align with the DNA recovered inside the house, investigators have now shifted to forensic genetic genealogy — a technique that has helped identify suspects in cases such as the Golden State Killer and the Idaho student murders.

Moore said the method can be powerful and, in some cases, remarkably fast. If the suspect has deep family roots in the United States, she noted, a genealogical lead could emerge within hours. But if the person’s ancestry is less connected to U.S. databases, the process could take significantly longer.

“If I were the kidnapper, I would be extremely concerned right now,” Moore said, adding that the technique has a strong track record of pinpointing individuals even from partial DNA profiles.

Feb 20, 2026 at 08:50 AM EST

‘Today’ balances news duties and colleague support as Guthrie search continues

For the second straight day, NBC’s Today show opened its broadcast with stories unrelated to the disappearance of co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, a sign of how producers are working to balance the program’s daily news mission with the emotional weight of a colleague’s unfolding family crisis.

Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, and NBC News has devoted extensive coverage across its platforms, from Today to NBC Nightly News and NBC News Now. The morning show has repeatedly led with developments in what authorities believe is an abduction, highlighting investigative updates and the national outpouring of support for the Guthrie family.

But on Thursday, Today opened with the arrest of former Prince Andrew before shifting to the Guthrie case. On Friday, co‑anchors Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb — filling in for Savannah Guthrie — cycled through weather, Olympic coverage and updates on Andrew’s arrest before turning to the latest in the search.

Behind the scenes, staffers have been navigating the dual responsibilities of covering a major national story and supporting a colleague whose family is at the center of it. That solidarity has been visible on air: Melvin, Kotb and Al Roker wore yellow ribbons Friday, and the studio has been filled with yellow flowers mirroring the tribute outside Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home.

Ben Bogardus, chair of Quinnipiac University’s journalism department, said the situation presents a rare real‑time ethical challenge. He noted that acknowledging the anchors’ personal connection to the story helps viewers understand why the coverage may differ from a typical missing‑person case.

The

Feb 20, 2026 at 08:32 AM EST

Google pushes back on claims that trends data shows searches for Guthrie’s address

Google is disputing claims that its Trends platform shows searches for Nancy Guthrie’s home address before the 84‑year‑old vanished from her Tucson residence, saying the data cited by Fox News cannot be taken as proof of actual user activity. A Google spokesperson told Newsweek that spikes appearing in Trends charts for obscure search terms often reflect statistical noise rather than real queries, a privacy safeguard built into the tool. “A Google Trends chart showing a spike for an uncommon topic is not definitive evidence that a search actually happened,” the spokesperson said.

Fox News had suggested that Trends data indicated searches for Guthrie’s address in June 2025 and again in January, weeks before she disappeared. Newsweek said it was unable to verify the claim.

The clarification comes as the search for Guthrie — the mother of Today co‑host Savannah Guthrie — enters its third week. She was last seen on January 31, and investigators say evidence at the scene indicates she did not leave voluntarily. Her blood was found on the porch, and authorities have expressed concern because she requires daily medication.

The case has been marked by ransom notes sent to media outlets, though law enforcement has not confirmed their authenticity. Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows an armed individual tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera the morning she disappeared. DNA recovered from gloves found two miles away did not match entries in CODIS, prompting investigators to pursue genetic genealogy and other advanced forensic tools.

Officials in both the U.S. and Mexico say there is no evidence Guthrie was taken across the border, despite speculation. Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the family has been fully cleared and continues to cooperate.

Feb 20, 2026 at 08:19 AM EST

Ex-FBI agent says evidence points away from cartel link in Guthrie case

A former FBI agent says there is little to suggest that the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie is tied to cartel activity, pushing back on speculation that has circulated as the search enters its third week. Jennifer Coffindaffer outlined several factors she believes rule out cartel involvement, including the absence of a credible ransom demand and the remote location of Guthrie’s Tucson‑area home, which she described as “too off the beaten path” for such an operation.

Coffindaffer noted that cartels typically move quickly and efficiently, not lingering at a crime scene or attempting to obscure their identities with makeshift methods like hiding behind bushes. She also argued that cartels have far more lucrative and less risky ways to generate revenue than abducting an elderly woman, especially given heightened border enforcement.

Her assessment comes as investigators continue to sift through a complex set of clues. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, and authorities say she was taken against her will, with her blood found on the porch of her home. While media outlets received purported ransom notes, two deadlines have passed without confirmation that the messages were legitimate.

Law enforcement has released surveillance images of a masked man outside Guthrie’s front door the night she vanished, and investigators are analyzing DNA recovered from gloves found nearby. The samples did not match entries in CODIS, prompting authorities to turn to investigative genetic genealogy to identify a suspect.

Despite speculation about cross‑border involvement, officials in both the U.S. and Mexico say there is no evidence Guthrie was taken into Mexico. The attorney general of Sonora said his office has not received a formal request for assistance, though it would cooperate if one were to arrive.

Feb 20, 2026 at 08:04 AM EST

Genetic genealogy becomes next focus after DNA from glove yields no match in Guthrie case

A DNA dead end that once would have stalled an investigation is now only the starting point in the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie. After a glove found two miles from her Tucson home failed to produce a match in CODIS, investigators confirmed they are turning to advanced genetic‑genealogy tools to widen the search.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday that detectives are exploring additional genealogy databases to identify distant relatives of the unknown individual whose DNA was found on the glove and separately at Guthrie’s property. That second sample also does not match Guthrie or anyone known to have been in close contact with her.

The approach — comparing crime‑scene DNA to millions of voluntarily uploaded genetic profiles — has helped crack several high‑profile cases, including the Golden State Killer investigation and the Idaho student murders. But experts caution that results can vary widely. Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore told CNN the process can take minutes or stretch out over years, depending on how closely the unknown DNA matches existing profiles.

The method has delivered major breakthroughs in recent years, from identifying long‑sought suspects to naming victims in century‑old cases. But it also raises ongoing privacy debates, as most major commercial DNA companies restrict law‑enforcement access without a warrant. Investigators are largely limited to open‑source databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, which contain far fewer profiles.

Moore noted that the technique's success depends heavily on who chooses to upload their DNA. Most available records come from Americans with deep European ancestry, leaving gaps for other populations.

Feb 20, 2026 at 07:49 AM EST

Former FBI agent says ruling out DNA from glove still moves Guthrie case forward

A former FBI special agent says investigators are making progress in the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie despite a glove found near her Tucson home failing to produce a DNA match. Jonathan Gilliam told Fox 10 that eliminating possibilities is a critical part of any major investigation and should not be viewed as a setback.

“Eliminating leads is as important as affirming leads or evidence,” Gilliam said, noting that detectives must continue to work every angle with equal diligence. He emphasized that modern forensic tools and experienced investigators give authorities a strong chance of uncovering the truth. “If the clues are there and they’re able to locate those clues, then we will see a solution to this.”

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that DNA recovered at Guthrie’s home does not match her or anyone close to her. The glove — discovered about two miles away and similar to the one worn by the masked suspect in surveillance footage — also failed to produce a match in CODIS, the FBI’s national DNA index. Investigators say the DNA on the glove does not match the sample found at the property either.

Gilliam said the process of ruling out evidence is part of the methodical work required in a case with few clear leads. As the search enters its third week, investigators continue to analyze DNA, review surveillance footage, and pursue tips from the public.

Feb 20, 2026 at 07:35 AM EST

Nancy Guthrie case highlights rarity of elder abductions

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, has drawn national attention to the kidnapping of older Americans, a crime federal data shows is uncommon.

According to FBI statistics, more than 49,000 abductions and kidnappings were reported in 2025, but only 10 percent involved victims over 50. Just 145 cases were recorded in Guthrie’s age group, 80 to 89. Officials have stressed that her age and medical needs make locating her quickly especially urgent.

Investigators yesterday released video of a masked person tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera before she was reported missing. Her family told NBC they did not recognize the individual.

Most abductions do not involve strangers. FBI data shows only about 9 percent of kidnappings last year were committed by someone unknown to the victim. Separately, NCIC figures for 2024 found that of nearly 259,000 missing persons cases, only 4 percent involved adults. The vast majority were runaways, while stranger abductions accounted for just 0.1 percent.

Feb 20, 2026 at 07:21 AM EST

Timeline of the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

Saturday, January 31

Nancy Guthrie spends the evening with family for dinner and game night. She returns home around 9:50 p.m., when her garage door closes . Investigators later say this is the last confirmed moment she was safely at home.

Sunday, February 1

At 1:47 a.m., Guthrie’s doorbell camera is disconnected, and motion is detected minutes later. By 2:28 a.m., her pacemaker app disconnects from her phone . Friends notice she does not arrive for virtual church and alert her family. At 11:56 a.m., relatives discover she is missing and call 911 shortly after. Deputies find blood on the front porch, later confirmed to be hers .

Tuesday, February 3

Media outlets receive the first ransom letters demanding millions in bitcoin and setting deadlines for payment.

Wednesday, February 4

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings release their first emotional video plea, asking for proof their mother is alive. Investigators return to the home for follow‑up work, briefly re‑taping the scene.

Thursday, February 5

The first ransom deadline passes. Camron Guthrie posts another video pleading for communication. The FBI announces a $50,000 reward for information .

Friday, February 6

A second ransom note is received by a local news outlet. Investigators intensify activity at Guthrie’s home, marking evidence and towing a vehicle.

Saturday, February 7

On the one‑week mark, Guthrie’s children post a video saying, “We will pay.” That night, investigators visit the home of Guthrie’s daughter Annie and leave with a bag of items.

Sunday, February 8

Investigators examine the septic tank on Guthrie’s property. A ransom note reported by media demands $6 million and threatens her life if payment is not made .

Monday, February 9

A second ransom deadline passes. Savannah Guthrie posts a video appealing to the public for help.

Tuesday, February 10

The FBI releases images of an armed, masked individual tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera . A man is detained during a traffic stop in Rio Rico but released the next morning. A search warrant is executed at a nearby home.

Wednesday, February 11

Thousands of tips pour in after the release of surveillance images. TMZ reports receiving a “bizarre letter” demanding bitcoin. A man detained the previous day tells CNN he was stopped because of an anonymous tip.

Thursday, February 12

The FBI raises the reward to $100,000 and releases a detailed description of the masked suspect. Savannah Guthrie posts a tribute video to her mother.

Friday, February 13

Authorities receive more than 30,000 tips. Investigators conduct an operation at a residence two miles from Guthrie’s home but make no arrests.

Sunday, February 15

The FBI confirms a glove found near the home resembles the one worn by the masked suspect. DNA is recovered from the glove .

Monday, February 16

Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly clears all Guthrie family members as suspects, calling speculation “cruel” .

Tuesday, February 17

DNA from the glove does not match CODIS and does not match DNA found inside Guthrie’s home . Investigators visit gun shops seeking information about the suspect’s weapon and holster.

Wednesday, February 18

Authorities continue reviewing “thousands of hours” of surveillance footage. U.S. and Mexican officials are briefed as a precaution. A Mexican nonprofit group, Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, prepares to assist the family.

Thursday, February 19

Mexican officials say there is no indication Guthrie was taken across the border. The FBI continues analyzing DNA from Guthrie’s home .

Feb 20, 2026 at 07:18 AM EST

Investigators turn to advanced DNA technique in search for Nancy Guthrie

Detectives searching for missing Tucson woman Nancy Guthrie are now using one of the most sophisticated forensic tools available, turning to genetic genealogy to analyze biological evidence recovered from inside her home. The method, which helped crack cases such as the Golden State Killer, allows specialists to compare an unknown DNA profile with distant relatives and build family connections that may point investigators toward a suspect.

National correspondent Matt Finn reported that authorities collected DNA and other material from Guthrie’s residence and plan to run it through both traditional law‑enforcement databases and the more expansive genealogical process. David Mittelman, CEO of Othram Inc., said the technique can reveal far more than a standard offender match, offering clues about ancestry and other traits that can help narrow the search.

Despite speculation fueled by Tucson’s proximity to the border, investigators say they have found no evidence linking the case to Mexico. The FBI’s coordination with Mexican authorities, they noted, is routine for cases in the region.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has also publicly stated that Guthrie’s family is not considered involved in her disappearance. As the forensic work continues, the community remains anxious for answers in a case that has grown increasingly complex.

Feb 20, 2026 at 07:05 AM EST

Neighbor says community on edge after disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

A neighbor of missing Tucson resident Nancy Guthrie says her disappearance has left the community unsettled and prompted some to take new safety precautions. Lloyd Anderson, who lives near the 84‑year‑old and attended church with her, told Fox News Digital that he recently installed security cameras at his home after she vanished.

Anderson said the situation has weighed heavily on those who knew Guthrie, describing her as a kind presence in both the neighborhood and their church community. He recalled seeing her regularly at services and on walks, and said he reached out earlier this year when she stopped attending. Guthrie told him she had begun participating in other church gatherings and Bible discussions.

Her absence now, he said, has created a sense of unease. “We’ve never gone through this before,” Anderson noted, adding that residents are hoping for her safe return even as that possibility feels increasingly uncertain.

Feb 20, 2026 at 06:53 AM EST

President Trump says media need to report on ‘other subjects’

The president told reporters on Thursday that the media needs to start reporting on “other subjects” than the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

When a reporter asked Trump what he thinks happened to her, he said: “Boy, it’s so, so crazy, so bad. I didn’t like when they were talking about they’re going after the pacemaker, and you know, before they even started going after it, they’re coming and reporting on it. If in fact they could do it that way, the person would say, ‘Well I'm not gonna let that happen,' right?”

He added: “We have to start reporting on other subjects also and see what happens. It's a very sad situation.”

Read the full report from Newsweek’s Jenna Sundel.

Feb 20, 2026 at 04:08 AM EST

Was Nancy Guthrie kidnapped by a Mexican cartel? This ex-FBI agent says no

A former FBI agent has listed several reasons why she does not believe the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie was linked to cartels.

Jennifer Coffindaffer said the disappearance was likely not a cartel kidnapping because there was no ransom demand, and Guthrie's home near Tucson was "too off the beaten path."

Coffindaffer also said that if a kidnapping had been carried out by a cartel, they "would have been in and out quickly" and "would not have used shrubbery to obscure their faces."

She added that cartels had other ways to make money, and would not risk crossing the border for an 84-year-old woman given the current immigration enforcement operations across the U.S.

Read the full report from Newsweek's Khaleda Rahman.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines