TUCSON, Ariz. — Investigators are continuing to examine evidence in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as the case remains active more than eight months after she was reported missing.
Sources close to the investigation told News 4 Tucson that members of the task force recently visited a crime laboratory in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The purpose of the visit has not been publicly detailed, and no new breakthrough has been announced in the case.
Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after she disappeared from her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills area. Investigators continue to pursue evidence that could help determine what happened to her and identify the person responsible.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) has said that DNA testing and digital evidence analysis remain central to the investigation. The department is working with the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office to examine potential leads.
FBI Releases Doorbell Camera Footage
On Feb. 10, the FBI released video from Guthrie’s Ring doorbell camera showing a person wearing a ski mask and gloves outside her home on the night of her disappearance.
The individual appeared to be carrying a firearm and wearing an Ozark Trail hiking backpack, according to the description of the footage. Investigators believe the person is a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Authorities have asked the public to review the footage and contact investigators if they recognize the person or have information that could help establish their identity.
Investigators are also interested in whether anyone noticed unusual behavior, changes in appearance or other circumstances that could be connected to Guthrie’s disappearance.
Authorities Release Details of Two Ransom Notes
On July 31, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released the contents of two ransom notes that were sent to local and national media outlets during the investigation.
The first note, sent on Feb. 2, was addressed to Savannah Guthrie. It claimed that Nancy Guthrie was being held for ransom and demanded a $4 million payment in Bitcoin by 5 p.m. on Feb. 5.
The note threatened to increase the demand to $6 million if the initial deadline was missed. It also threatened Guthrie’s life if the final deadline passed without payment.
The message included details about items allegedly found near her bed and a damaged backyard floodlight. Those details formed part of the information made public through the released note.
A second note, sent on Feb. 6 and addressed to the Guthrie family, claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being taken. The writer attributed her death to a possible heart-related issue and claimed that her body had been buried in a natural area.
The statements in the notes represent claims made by their authors and should not, by themselves, be treated as independently verified findings about Guthrie’s fate.
Authorities have not publicly established the identity of the person or people responsible for the messages in the information provided for this report.
Sheriff’s Department Lists Behaviors the Public Should Report
PCSD is asking anyone who may recognize the person in the doorbell camera footage to contact investigators. Officials have emphasized that even seemingly minor observations could help move the investigation forward.
Investigators are particularly interested in reports of unusual changes in someone’s behavior or routine around the time Guthrie disappeared.
According to the department’s public appeal, relevant observations could include:
- Changes in mood: Unusual anxiety, nervousness, irritability or other noticeable behavioral changes.
- Changes in appearance: A different haircut or hair color, or the growth or removal of facial hair.
- Unexplained injuries: Cuts on the hands, bruises or other injuries during the period Guthrie was last seen.
- Changes in routine: Unexpected absences from work, classes or scheduled appointments.
- Sudden travel: An unexplained departure from the area around the time of the disappearance.
- Vehicle activity: Unusual vehicle cleaning or repairs that appear out of character.
- Interest in the neighborhood: An unexplained change in someone’s attention to Guthrie’s neighborhood.
- Unusual interest in the case: A noticeable change in interest in the investigation or apparent knowledge of details that have not been explained.
Authorities are asking people to report relevant observations rather than attempting to investigate or confront anyone themselves.
Family Asks Tucson Residents to Review Key Dates
Guthrie’s family has asked members of the Tucson community to think back to Jan. 11, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for anything unusual they may have seen or heard.
The request encourages residents to consider observations that may initially have seemed insignificant but could help investigators establish a timeline or identify a potential lead.
PCSD is also asking homeowners in the surrounding area to submit relevant surveillance footage that could assist the investigation. Doorbell cameras, home security systems and other recordings may contain information that could help investigators reconstruct events.
Residents can submit relevant footage through the sheriff’s department’s official Nancy Guthrie evidence submission portal.
Anyone with information can also contact 88-CRIME, which allows people to submit tips anonymously. Additional reporting options include the 88-CRIME website and the P3 Tips mobile application.
Rewards Offered for Information
Several rewards have been announced for information that helps investigators resolve the case.
According to the information provided for this report, the FBI is offering $100,000, 88-CRIME is offering $102,500, and the Guthrie family is offering $1 million.
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip through 88-CRIME.
Investigators continue to ask the public to share relevant information, including surveillance footage and observations about possible changes in behavior around the time Nancy Guthrie disappeared.
The case remains active, and authorities are urging anyone who may have information to come forward through official channels.
