As the search for the Nancy Guthrie case enters its third week, federal authorities investigating what they have described as a possible kidnapping have released additional details about a suspect believed to be connected to her disappearance.
Guthrie, 84, is the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie and was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on Feb. 1.
On Thursday, the FBI’s Phoenix field office shared new identifying information after reviewing doorbell camera footage from Guthrie’s home and conducting forensic analysis. Investigators described the suspect as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. In the video, the individual is seen wearing a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack.
The FBI also announced that it has increased the reward for information leading to Guthrie’s location and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance to $100,000, doubling the previous amount.
The new suspect description followed the release of additional images and video from Nancy Guthrie’s doorbell camera. The footage appears to show a man wearing a ski mask, black gloves, long sleeves and pants, a backpack and a holstered handgun approaching the front door of the home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1.
The individual first attempts to block the camera with his hand. When that fails, he turns, grabs branches from a nearby bush and places the torn pieces in front of the lens in an effort to obstruct the view.
The recovery of that footage marked one of the most significant developments in the case since Guthrie was reported missing. Authorities have said the video was recovered through forensic work on backend systems after initial efforts to access the footage were unsuccessful.
Timeline of events
According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Guthrie left her home in an Uber around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 to have dinner with family. A family member later drove her home shortly before 10 p.m. Data showed her garage door opened and closed at that time.
At approximately 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 1, Guthrie’s doorbell camera was disconnected. Roughly 30 minutes later, the camera’s software detected motion near the home, though no video footage was initially available. Just before 2:30 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone, according to data from the monitoring application associated with the device.
Shortly after noon on Feb. 1, Guthrie’s family called 911 after going to check on her and discovering she was not inside the home. Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrived at approximately 12:15 p.m. Investigators later confirmed that blood found on the front porch belonged to Guthrie.
On Feb. 2, authorities announced they believed Guthrie had been taken against her will and were treating the residence as a crime scene.
Ransom notes and investigative steps
On Feb. 3, several media outlets reported receiving alleged ransom letters demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie’s safe return. One note reportedly demanded $6 million and set deadlines of 5 p.m. on Feb. 5 and again on Feb. 9. Authorities have not confirmed whether the notes were sent by Guthrie’s alleged abductor.
The sheriff’s department announced a $50,000 reward on Feb. 5 for information leading to her recovery. The FBI joined the investigation, deploying agents and analysts to examine social media activity, financial transactions and digital communications.
On Feb. 10, the FBI released the first still images of the suspected abductor from the doorbell camera footage. Later that same day, authorities detained a man during a traffic stop in Rio Rico, about 60 miles south of Tucson. He was questioned and released the following morning without charges.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators are examining multiple persons of interest. Authorities have also confirmed that DNA evidence collected from the home that does not belong to Guthrie or anyone in close contact with her has been submitted for further testing.
Family appeals and public response
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Annie and Camron released an emotional video on Feb. 4 addressing their mother’s alleged abductor directly. “We need to know without a doubt that she’s alive and that you have her,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”
BREAKING: Savannah Guthrie shares an emotional video montage of memories with her mother, Nancy Guthrie, and siblings, 11 days after her disappearance. pic.twitter.com/TaqTmx1Xhs
— Resist Times (@ResistWire) February 12, 2026
Camron Guthrie issued a separate plea around the time of the first ransom deadline, asking for direct communication with whoever may be holding their mother. On Feb. 7, the siblings released another video offering to pay for her release.
As the second deadline passed on Feb. 9, Savannah Guthrie posted a public message asking for help. “We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help,” she said.
She later shared a tribute to her mother on social media, writing that the family would never give up and thanking supporters for their prayers.
Ongoing investigation and unanswered questions
The FBI’s Phoenix office said Thursday that more than 13,000 tips have been received since Guthrie was reported missing. A command post remains active and is monitored around the clock.
Despite the steady flow of information, significant questions remain. Authorities have not publicly disclosed how entry may have been gained into Guthrie’s home. The current whereabouts of the removed doorbell camera have not been confirmed. It also remains unclear whether the ransom notes were authentic or sent by someone seeking to exploit the case.
Investigators continue to urge anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit information through the agency’s website.
Nancy Guthrie remains missing as the investigation continues into its third week.
