Quick Read
- Federal investigators are probing a newly received message related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, sent to local news station KOLD-TV.
- The FBI is leading the investigation into the message’s authenticity and has offered a $50,000 reward for information.
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home on January 31, 2026, and requires daily medication for heart conditions.
- Blood found on her porch was confirmed to be hers, and her doorbell camera was disconnected around the time of her disappearance.
- A man was arrested for sending a fake ransom threat but is not connected to Nancy Guthrie’s actual disappearance.
TUCSON (Azat TV) – Federal investigators are intensely scrutinizing a newly received message tied to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie, as the search in Tucson, Arizona, enters its sixth day. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed it is leading the assessment of the message’s authenticity, a development that underscores the escalating federal involvement in the high-profile case, which now includes a $50,000 reward for information.
Authorities resumed their search efforts around Nancy Guthrie’s home and neighborhood on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following her reported disappearance from her residence on January 31. The new communication, which was sent to local news station KOLD-TV, contained sensitive information but, unlike previous notes, did not include a ransom demand or a deadline, according to a KOLD anchor. This suggests a potential shift in the nature of communications from the alleged abductor, prompting careful analysis by law enforcement officials.
Investigation Deepens Amid New Communication
The latest message to KOLD-TV is being meticulously evaluated by the FBI to determine its veracity and relevance to Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the FBI is handling this new lead, emphasizing the need for precision in their investigation. Former senior FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole highlighted the critical importance of a thorough review, stating that investigators would ‘take their time to go through this note because they know everybody is waiting and anticipating what they’re about to say.’
This new message follows earlier purported ransom notes, some of which were sent to media outlets. One such threat proved to be illegitimate, leading to the arrest of Derrick Callella, 42, who was charged with sending a fake ransom threat to the Guthrie family. Callella, who has since been released on $20,000 bond, is not believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s actual disappearance, with the FBI stating there was ‘no evidence to connect’ him to the case. This incident has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, as authorities must discern credible information from attempts to exploit the family’s distress.
The Search and Critical Health Concerns
The physical search for Nancy Guthrie continues, with authorities examining her home and surrounding areas. Key clues have emerged from the initial investigation: blood found on her porch has been confirmed through DNA tests to belong to Ms. Guthrie, and her front door camera was reportedly disconnected early on Sunday, February 1, moments before software data recorded movement at the home. Her pacemaker also last pinged her phone around 2 a.m. that day, providing a potential timeline for her abduction.
A significant concern for authorities and the family is Nancy Guthrie’s health. She requires daily medication and has a pacemaker, high blood pressure, and other heart issues, making her continued absence increasingly perilous. To broaden the search, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced plans to post digital billboards featuring Nancy Guthrie and an FBI contact number in several nearby states, including Texas and California. This program, initiated by the FBI in 2007, aims to leverage public awareness in critical missing persons cases.
Family’s Emotional Appeal and Public Support
The Guthrie family has made heartfelt public appeals for Nancy’s safe return. Savannah Guthrie, visibly emotional, released video messages with her siblings, pleading directly with her mother’s abductor for proof of life and safe release. She has consistently emphasized her faith and the power of prayer throughout the ordeal. The case has drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump reportedly contacting Savannah Guthrie and directing federal authorities to provide assistance where possible.
Support for Savannah Guthrie has also been evident from her colleagues at NBC’s ‘Today’ show. Co-host Hoda Kotb returned to the program to express solidarity, reflecting on how Savannah Guthrie has always been a steadfast presence for her colleagues during their personal challenges. Neighbors of Nancy Guthrie, like Laura Gargano, have expressed deep alarm, describing Ms. Guthrie as a ‘very sweet woman’ and noting that the Catalina Foothills neighborhood where she resides is typically ‘very, very safe.’
The ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is characterized by its high-profile nature and the unusual pattern of communication, moving from purported ransom demands to a new, less explicit message. The active involvement of federal agencies, combined with the family’s public pleas and critical health concerns, underscores the urgency of verifying new information and identifying credible leads amidst the complexities of a case that an ex-FBI agent, Daniel Brunner, described as not a ‘traditional kidnapping.’