More than two weeks after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home, investigators are pursuing multiple leads and refining their understanding of what may have happened in the early hours of January 31, 2026. The disappearance has drawn widespread attention and urgent appeals from her family, including her daughter, Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Authorities have classified the case as a criminal matter, citing evidence that suggests she was taken against her will.
Timeline: Last Known Whereabouts
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson on January 31, 2026, after being dropped off by her son-in-law around 9:50 p.m. The next morning, she did not appear for her regular church livestream, which raised concern among relatives. When family members checked her home, they found her missing, with personal items like her phone still inside. A 911 call was placed, and authorities immediately launched an investigation.
Forensic Evidence at the Scene
Investigators quickly treated the residence as a crime scene after discovering blood droplets and DNA evidence on the porch and driveway. The blood was confirmed to belong to Nancy, and forensic experts noted the pattern suggested a possible struggle. A single black glove was also found nearby, and DNA testing was conducted by the FBI, though no match has yet been publicly identified. Experts said the blood pattern could indicate an abrupt confrontation rather than an accident.
Doorbell Camera Footage and Suspect Description
A major breakthrough came when investigators recovered previously corrupted doorbell camera footage. The video shows a masked individual outside Nancy’s home around 2:00 a.m. on February 1. The suspect is described as a male about 5′9″ to 5′10″ tall, wearing gloves, a ski mask, and carrying a black Ozark Trail backpack. The person appeared to attempt disabling the camera before approaching the porch, suggesting awareness of the home’s security system.
Authorities released images and footage publicly, hoping someone might recognize the individual. However, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains unidentified.
Criminal Analyst Theories
Criminal analysts believe the incident may have begun as a burglary that escalated into an abduction. Experts noted that if an intruder feared being identified, the situation could have quickly turned violent. The suspect’s deliberate movements and use of gloves suggest planning and intent to avoid detection, rather than a random act. However, investigators have not confirmed a motive.
Pacemaker Data Narrows Timeline
Another critical clue comes from Nancy’s pacemaker, which reportedly stopped communicating with its paired phone around 2:28 a.m. Experts say such devices can provide valuable timeline data, potentially revealing when a stressful or traumatic event occurred. This information may help investigators pinpoint when the incident happened.
Search Efforts and Investigation
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police, have conducted extensive searches using drones, dogs, and search teams. Authorities have executed search warrants, detained individuals for questioning, and collected forensic evidence. DNA found at the scene that does not belong to Nancy is still being analyzed.
Family Cleared and Reward Increased
Authorities confirmed that Nancy’s family members have been cleared as suspects. Officials emphasized that the family has fully cooperated with investigators. Meanwhile, the FBI increased the reward for information to $100,000, urging the public to come forward with any tips. Savannah Guthrie has publicly pleaded for her mother’s safe return.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Nancy Guthrie has still not been found, and investigators continue to pursue leads. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or what the motive might have been. Officials say the investigation could take weeks or longer but remain committed to finding answers.
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