Search Intensifies for Missing Mother of News Anchor Savannah Guthrie
Published 13 February 2026
Highlights
- Nancy Guthrie, mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson home nearly two weeks ago, sparking a major investigation.
- DNA evidence and multiple gloves were found near her home, and a suspect was identified from doorbell camera footage.
- The FBI increased the reward for information to $100,000 and received over 13,000 tips following the release of the suspect's description.
- Tensions reportedly arose between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI over the handling of forensic evidence.
- Nancy Guthrie's family believes she is still alive and has made public pleas for her safe return.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Search Intensifies for Missing Mother of News Anchor Savannah Guthrie
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has intensified as authorities continue to investigate her mysterious disappearance from her Tucson, Arizona home nearly two weeks ago. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with the FBI, is actively pursuing leads in this high-profile missing persons case.
DNA Evidence and Suspect Description
Investigators have uncovered DNA evidence and several gloves near Guthrie's residence, which do not belong to her or her immediate contacts. This discovery has fueled the ongoing investigation, with all evidence sent for laboratory analysis. The FBI has released a description of a suspect captured on doorbell camera footage, described as a male with an average build, standing between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in, and carrying a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. This footage has generated over 13,000 tips, including 4,000 within the first 24 hours of its release.
Interagency Collaboration and Tensions
Despite reports of tension between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI regarding the handling of forensic evidence, Sheriff Chris Nanos has denied any discord. He clarified that sending all evidence to a single lab was a strategic decision to expedite the investigation. The sheriff's department remains focused on identifying the DNA found at the scene, which could be crucial in solving the case.
Family's Plea and Public Response
Nancy Guthrie's family, including her daughter Savannah, has been vocal in their belief that she is still alive. They have made several public appeals for her safe return, expressing willingness to pay for her release. The FBI has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction to $100,000, underscoring the urgency and importance of the case.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation progresses, the collaboration between local and federal authorities will be crucial in resolving the case. The identification of the DNA and further analysis of the doorbell footage could provide significant breakthroughs. If tensions between agencies are managed effectively, it could lead to a more streamlined investigation process. The public's response, fueled by the substantial reward and media coverage, may also yield critical information. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for interagency cooperation in future missing persons investigations.
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has intensified as authorities continue to investigate her mysterious disappearance from her Tucson, Arizona home nearly two weeks ago. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with the FBI, is actively pursuing leads in this high-profile missing persons case.
DNA Evidence and Suspect Description
Investigators have uncovered DNA evidence and several gloves near Guthrie's residence, which do not belong to her or her immediate contacts. This discovery has fueled the ongoing investigation, with all evidence sent for laboratory analysis. The FBI has released a description of a suspect captured on doorbell camera footage, described as a male with an average build, standing between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in, and carrying a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. This footage has generated over 13,000 tips, including 4,000 within the first 24 hours of its release.
Interagency Collaboration and Tensions
Despite reports of tension between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI regarding the handling of forensic evidence, Sheriff Chris Nanos has denied any discord. He clarified that sending all evidence to a single lab was a strategic decision to expedite the investigation. The sheriff's department remains focused on identifying the DNA found at the scene, which could be crucial in solving the case.
Family's Plea and Public Response
Nancy Guthrie's family, including her daughter Savannah, has been vocal in their belief that she is still alive. They have made several public appeals for her safe return, expressing willingness to pay for her release. The FBI has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction to $100,000, underscoring the urgency and importance of the case.
What this might mean
As the investigation progresses, the collaboration between local and federal authorities will be crucial in resolving the case. The identification of the DNA and further analysis of the doorbell footage could provide significant breakthroughs. If tensions between agencies are managed effectively, it could lead to a more streamlined investigation process. The public's response, fueled by the substantial reward and media coverage, may also yield critical information. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for interagency cooperation in future missing persons investigations.
