Key Developments in the Search for Nancy Guthrie as Case Enters Day 10
FBI investigates video and questions person in ongoing Nancy Guthrie case.
As the Nancy Guthrie abduction case enters its second week, investigators have not located the missing Arizona grandmother. Despite growing uncertainty and new developments, her daughter, NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, said she remains hopeful that her mother will be found alive.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her ranch-style home in Arizona. She was expected to attend a small in-home church gathering on February 1 but did not arrive. When friends were unable to reach her by phone, authorities were alerted. She has not been seen since.
Authorities declared Guthrie’s Tucson, Ariz., residence a crime scene. Investigators discovered blood droplets leading away from the home, and alleged ransom messages were sent to media outlets. Guthrie’s children later released video appeals on social media addressing the public and anyone who may be responsible for her disappearance.
With developments unfolding daily, here is a timeline of key events in this case:
January 31
Nancy Guthrie took a cab to her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home at about 5:32 p.m. for dinner and game night. Family members later drove her home. Surveillance camera showed her garage open at around 9:48 p.m. “We assumed that she went home and to bed shortly after that,” authorities said.
February 1
Guthrie’s doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., and about 25 minutes later a security camera detected motion. Her phone disconnected from her pacemaker app at about 2:28 a.m.
At 11:56 a.m., after she failed to attend the church gathering, friends and family reported her missing.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrived at 12:15 p.m., and discovered blood on the steps. Authorities later confirmed it belonged to Guthrie.
February 3
Several media outlets, including TMZ and KOLD, received ransom notes demanding payment from the family. TMZ reported a demand for millions in Bitcoin with deadlines set for February 5 and February 9.
February 4
On February 4, Savannah Guthrie shared a video on social media addressing her mother’s alleged abductors.
Appearing alongside her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, and fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.” She captioned the video, “Bring her home.”
“We need to know that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video.
Authorities intensified the investigation and conducted a follow-up search at the home.
Savannah Guthrie requests the abductors to reach out.
February 5
Camron Guthrie later shared a video plea on Instagram urging anyone holding their mother to communicate with the family. “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,” he said. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a $50,000 reward for information.
Camron Guthrie tells the abductors that he wants to hear from them.
February 6
On day 6 of the search, CNN affiliate KOLD reported receiving another purported ransom message and said it provided the information to authorities.
Investigators returned to the property to collect evidence, including searching the roof.
February 7
On February 7, Savannah Guthrie shared another video addressing the alleged abductors.
“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” Savannah Guthrie said.
Former FBI agent Lance Leising said the word “understand” may refer to details in the ransom message that have not been made public. He said it could point to the kidnappers’ grievances or instructions on how the money should be delivered, while the reference to “celebrate” may suggest some form of resolution.
Savannah Guthrie shared another video addressing her mother’s alleged abductors.
February 8
Investigators later examined the septic tank near the property.
CNN affiliate KGUN reported the purported abductor demanded $6 million and threatened Guthrie’s life if at 5 p.m. Monday, February 9, deadline was not met.
February 9
Savannah Guthrie later shared another video on Instagram urging the public to assist investigation rather than addressing the alleged abductors.
“We need your help. Reach out to the law enforcement if you notice anything strange, even if you live far away from Tucson,” Savannah Guthrie said.
The second deadline passed at 5 p.m.
Savannah requested followers to help law enforcement agencies with her mother's abduction case
February 10
At about 11 a.m., the FBI released video from a camera at Guthrie's home showing an armed individual wearing a mask.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media that investigators recovered previously inaccessible footage from backend systems showing an armed individual tampering with a front-door camera.
Images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door.
Later that day, Savannah Guthrie shared the images on Instagram and wrote, "Someone out there recognizes this person."
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it detained a person for questioning. Authorities did not reveal additional details.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.