FBI Releases First Images of Possible Suspect in Nancy Guthrie Abduction
Federal authorities have released new video and images of a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie was taken against her will from her Arizona home more than a week ago, sparking a nationwide search and intense media coverage.
Security Footage Reveals Masked Individual
Photos and footage from Nancy Guthrie's front door security camera show a masked, gloved individual wearing a backpack and what appears to be a holstered gun on the front of the person's belt. The person also appears to have a moustache and is seen with a flashlight in their mouth while apparently tampering with the camera and a plant on the morning of Nancy's disappearance.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, additional recovered footage from the same camera timeline shows the individual approaching Nancy Guthrie's front door just before the original video was captured. The FBI has made this evidence public in hopes that someone might recognize the individual or have information about the case.
Ransom Deadlines Pass Without Resolution
A second ransom deadline for Nancy Guthrie came and went on Monday, but the FBI stated they are "not aware" of any contact between the family and her alleged kidnappers. The ransom note sent to TMZ and local Arizona TV stations demanded two separate sums:
- $4 million in bitcoin due last Thursday
- $6 million if the first deadline wasn't met, due Monday at 5 p.m. local time
Thursday's deadline was not met according to reports, and it remains unclear if the $6 million payment was made on Monday. TMZ's Harvey Levin described a "chilling" threat in the first ransom note if the family didn't comply, reading one line: "It is in the best interest of anyone to have this completed as soon as possible."
Levin noted he found it "baffling" that the money doesn't appear to have been settled, given that the Guthrie family expressed willingness to pay.
Search Enters Tenth Day with No Suspects Identified
The search for Nancy Guthrie has now entered its tenth day with no suspects or persons of interest officially identified by authorities. Nancy was last seen on the night of January 31 after being dropped off by a family member following dinner. Police were called the following day when she failed to show up for church services.
Authorities announced on February 3 that they believed Nancy was taken against her will, with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirming blood droplets on the porch of Nancy's Tucson home matched her DNA. As of February 8, the Pima County Sheriff's Department stated on social media that no suspects had been identified despite multiple pleas from Nancy's children.
Family's Desperate Pleas and FBI Reward
Savannah Guthrie made an emotional plea on Instagram hours before Monday's ransom deadline, stating: "We are at an hour of desperation. We believe our mom is still out there." The NBC star begged viewers for help, emphasizing that law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock but needs public assistance.
In her caption, Savannah added: "Please. Bring her home. We need you. She needs you. All of you." The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to Nancy's recovery or an arrest in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.
