TUCSON, Ariz. — Two weeks after the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, the journalist shared a heartfelt video plea on Instagram, urging anyone involved in her mother's abduction to come forward. In the emotional message posted on Wednesday, Guthrie expressed unwavering hope for her mother's safe return, stating, “We still have hope, and we still believe.” She directly addressed those who might know something about the case, adding, “And I wanted to say: To whoever has her, or knows where she is, that it’s never too late, and you’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here. We believe, and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.” The caption accompanying the video simply read: “bring her home.”
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has captivated national attention, particularly given her daughter's high-profile role in morning television. Nancy was last seen on the night of January 31, when a relative dropped her off at her home in Tucson. She was reported missing around noon the following day, sparking an immediate investigation by local authorities. Three days later, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed reporters, revealing that officials believed she had been “taken from her house against her will.” This assessment was based on the discovery of blood on her porch, which DNA testing confirmed matched Nancy's, as well as the fact that her home security camera had been unplugged.
Adding to the intrigue, investigators have been examining what they describe as suspected ransom notes sent to TMZ and various local news outlets. While details of these notes remain under wraps to protect the integrity of the probe, their emergence has fueled speculation about the motives behind the abduction. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have issued multiple public statements over the past fortnight, each one echoing a desperate call for their mother's return. The family's visibility has undoubtedly amplified the case's reach, drawing support from viewers and colleagues alike in the media world.
In a significant development announced this week, the FBI revealed that it has recovered a DNA sample from a potential suspect linked to the scene. According to federal investigators, the sample was obtained from a glove found near Nancy Guthrie's property. This glove appears to match a pair worn by a masked and armed individual captured on doorbell camera footage released by the agency last week. The footage, which showed the figure approaching the home under cover of night, has been a key piece of evidence in piecing together the timeline of events.
The DNA analysis from the glove is currently undergoing “quality control and official confirmation” before it can be compared against profiles in a national database, the FBI stated. This process could take time, but it represents a potential breakthrough in identifying the perpetrator. The glove was among over a dozen collected by search teams in a roadside field approximately two miles from Nancy's residence. Most of those other gloves, however, were discarded by the searchers themselves during the extensive canvassing efforts in the area, complicating the initial sorting of evidence.
Despite this progress, no arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening. The FBI has intensified its efforts by releasing more details about the suspect: a male, approximately 5’9” or 5’10” tall, with an average build, last seen wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. To encourage tips from the public, authorities have doubled the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return or the apprehension of those responsible, now standing at $100,000. This increase underscores the urgency felt by law enforcement as the investigation enters its third week.
Earlier in the case, there was a brief report of “law enforcement activity” near Nancy Guthrie's house, which raised hopes among the family and supporters. However, that activity did not result in any immediate breakthroughs or detentions. Separately, former President Donald Trump commented on the matter during a public appearance, stating that “progress has been made” in the investigation following the FBI's deeper involvement. Trump's remarks, while vague, highlighted the case's resonance beyond local boundaries, even touching on national political figures.
The backdrop to this unfolding drama includes the broader context of abductions involving elderly individuals in the Southwest. Tucson, a city known for its sprawling desert landscapes and tight-knit communities, has seen its share of missing persons cases, though none as prominently linked to media personalities as this one. Nancy Guthrie's age and the violent indicators at her home— the blood and the tampered camera— have prompted concerns about vulnerability among seniors living alone. Local advocacy groups for the elderly have rallied in support, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in residential areas.
Savannah Guthrie, who has co-hosted Today since 2011, has balanced her professional duties with the personal toll of this ordeal. Colleagues at NBC have described her as resilient, continuing to appear on air while managing the emotional strain. In her Instagram video, Guthrie's tone conveyed a mix of desperation and optimism, a sentiment that has resonated with many following the story. “We are here,” she repeated, signaling the family's readiness to engage with anyone who might provide leads.
Investigators continue to comb through evidence, including the aforementioned ransom notes, which were first reported by entertainment outlet TMZ. While the authenticity of these notes has not been fully verified, they have added a layer of complexity to the motive. Some experts in criminal profiling, speaking off the record to other outlets, suggest that such communications could indicate a targeted crime rather than a random act, though official sources have refrained from speculating publicly.
The Pima County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the FBI, has urged the public to remain vigilant. Sheriff Nanos, in his initial press conference, stressed the importance of community involvement, noting that tips from residents could be pivotal. Hotline numbers for anonymous submissions have been widely publicized, and the reward's escalation is intended to incentivize even the most hesitant witnesses.
As the search persists, the Guthrie family's pleas have humanized what could otherwise be a detached investigation. Savannah's video, viewed thousands of times within hours of posting, has sparked an outpouring of support on social media. Messages from fans and fellow journalists flood comment sections, offering prayers and encouragement. This wave of solidarity illustrates how personal tragedies in the public eye can foster collective empathy.
Looking ahead, the coming days will be critical as DNA results are processed. If a match is found in the national database, it could lead to swift action, potentially ending the nightmare for the Guthrie family. Until then, the investigation remains active, with federal and local teams working around the clock. The doubled reward and detailed suspect description are tools aimed at cracking the case, but the emotional weight on those waiting for answers grows heavier with each passing day.
The abduction of Nancy Guthrie serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime, even in quiet suburban settings. For Savannah and her loved ones, the hope expressed in her words—“it is never too late to do the right thing”—hangs in the balance, a beacon amid uncertainty. Authorities continue to appeal for information, emphasizing that any detail, no matter how small, could bring Nancy home.