The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, from her Tucson, Arizona home has drawn national attention, highlighting the dangers seniors face and the critical need for strong law enforcement under effective leadership.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, in the Catalina Foothills area after family members dropped her off at her residence. She missed church the following day, prompting concern and her official missing person report on February 1.
Authorities quickly treated the case as an abduction after blood confirmed as Nancy’s was found on the porch—a chilling sign of foul play demanding immediate federal involvement.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI emphasized that Nancy was taken against her will, reflecting the seriousness law enforcement assigns to crimes targeting vulnerable Americans.
Nancy requires daily medication for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and a pacemaker, making her safe return urgent.
Early reports included purported ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin, with missed deadlines raising questions about authenticity. Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and conservative commentators suggested alternative motives or opportunistic scams could be at play, given the lack of direct contact with family.
The investigation saw a breakthrough on February 10, 2026, when the FBI released surveillance footage from Nancy Guthrie’s Google Nest doorbell. Despite no active subscription, residual data provided black-and-white stills and short clips showing a masked, armed individual approaching her home.
The suspect wore a full ski mask, gloves, long sleeves, pants, sneakers, and a backpack, and appeared to use a flashlight in their mouth while tampering with the camera—evidence of premeditation and intent to avoid detection.
FBI Director Kash Patel personally shared the images and videos on X, describing the suspect as armed. Patel’s direct engagement has been praised for transparency, contrasting with past administrations’ handling of high-profile investigations.
Authorities and experts highlighted the importance of analyzing telltale physical characteristics—jawline, posture, gait—despite the mask, to aid identification.
Hours after the footage release, delivery driver Carlos Alfredo Palazuelos was briefly detained during a traffic stop near Rio Rico, Arizona, but released without charges on February 11. Authorities confirmed he was not the masked suspect.
Investigators continue door-to-door searches and examinations near family members’ homes, showing their commitment to leaving no stone unturned. The FBI offers up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed President Trump’s “pure disgust” upon viewing the footage, urging public cooperation—reflecting the administration’s strong stance on citizen protection and swift pursuit of justice.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made emotional appeals, pleading publicly for their mother’s safe return, humanizing the ordeal and maintaining hope.
The case has also sparked broader discussions on home security, the reliability of smart devices, and data retention policies aiding investigations. Conservatives have emphasized that reliance on private tech companies highlights the need for balanced privacy and public safety measures.
Recent cryptocurrency activity—an apparent $152 Bitcoin transfer linked to the alleged ransom—adds intrigue, though experts caution it could be a copycat act rather than a genuine demand.
As the investigation enters its second week, the focus remains on the masked suspect’s identity and Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. Federal resources and persistent law enforcement efforts offer the best hope for a positive outcome.
