Inside the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: Surveillance Footage, Bitcoin Ransom, and Ongoing FBI Search
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1, 2026, in what authorities believe is a targeted abduction from her Arizona home. Investigators have confirmed blood matching her DNA was found at the scene, her doorbell camera was disabled, and ransom notes demanding up to $6 million in Bitcoin were sent to media outlets. As multiple ransom deadlines pass without proof of life, the FBI has released new surveillance images of an armed, masked individual and confirmed that a person was recently detained for questioning though no formal arrest has been announced. The investigation remains active and high-profile.
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A High-Profile Abduction Grips the Nation
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has evolved into one of the most closely watched missing-person investigations in the United States.
Nancy was last seen on the night of January 31 after being dropped off at her Tucson-area home following dinner with family. By the early hours of February 1, she had vanished under circumstances investigators describe as suspicious and likely criminal .
Authorities have confirmed that blood found on her front porch matches her DNA, and her doorbell camera had been disconnected and removed . Her limited mobility and need for daily heart medication have heightened concerns about her survival.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Armed, Masked Figure
In a major development, the FBI released surveillance images showing an armed individual wearing a ski mask near Nancy’s front door around 1:47 a.m. on the day she disappeared .
The footage reportedly shows the suspect tampering with the doorbell camera, possibly attempting to conceal their presence . Investigators had difficulty accessing the footage initially due to technical issues and device removal .
Family members have publicly stated they do not recognize the masked individual seen in the footage .
Ransom Notes and Escalating Demands
The case took a darker turn when ransom notes were sent to local media outlets demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.
Initial demands reportedly ranged from $1 million to $6 million in Bitcoin, with strict payment deadlines . Despite public pleas from Savannah Guthrie and her siblings who stated they were willing to pay multiple alleged ransom deadlines have passed without resolution .
The FBI has confirmed receiving additional messages tied to the case but has not verified the authenticity of all communications . Officials also stated they are unaware of ongoing communication between the family and suspected kidnappers .
Person Detained, Search Expands
In a significant update this week, authorities detained at least one individual during a traffic stop in Rio Rico, south of Tucson .
Law enforcement also executed a court-authorized search of a nearby residence in connection with the investigation . However, reports indicate the detained individual was later released, and no formal suspect has been publicly identified .
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department previously stated that no suspects or persons of interest had been identified, underscoring the complexity of the investigation .
FBI Reward and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location .
Sheriff Chris Nanos has expressed cautious hope, stating investigators believe Nancy is “still out there” .
Search efforts have included helicopters, drones, forensic teams, and digital analysis of ransom communications. Despite national attention including comments from federal officials, no confirmed breakthrough has been announced.
A Family’s Public Plea
Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from professional commitments to focus on the search. In emotional video appeals, she and her siblings urged the suspected abductors to make contact and return their mother safely .
The case has sparked intense public discussion online, with some questioning the lack of detailed public updates, while others note investigators may be withholding information strategically .
Where the Case Stands Now
As of February 11, 2026:
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Nancy Guthrie remains missing.
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Multiple alleged ransom deadlines have passed.
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A masked, armed individual was captured on surveillance footage.
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One person was detained and released pending investigation.
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No confirmed suspect has been formally charged.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with credible information to contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
For now, the unanswered questions remain haunting: Was this a carefully planned abduction? Are the ransom notes legitimate? And most importantly, where is Nancy Guthrie?
Stay tuned for more updates as this is an ongoing incident.
Source:
Fox News/ Insider/ National Today
