The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Saturday that no arrests have been made in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC News journalist Savannah Guthrie. The case, entering its second week, has drawn national attention and a growing volunteer effort around the Guthrie family home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.
Evidence indicates Guthrie was taken against her will from her residence at 5820 N Camino Escalante on February 1st. Bloodstains found at the scene have been confirmed as hers, according to authorities. Multiple ransom notes demanding payment in cryptocurrency were received, with deadlines passing on February 9th. The FBI released images on February 10th from a video doorbell camera showing an armed individual wearing a mask and backpack on the property around the time of the disappearance.
Neighbors describe Guthrie’s property as a secluded, single-story ranch house situated on nearly an acre. The home, where she has lived since the 1970s, is nestled amongst the hills and dense desert landscaping, offering privacy despite nearby residences. A sheriff’s cruiser remains stationed in the driveway, and a growing collection of flowers and handmade signs expressing support have appeared at the foot of the driveway.
Investigators have conducted a thorough search of the property, including the roof, septic tank, and Guthrie’s vehicle. Two drones were observed surveying the area, and a helicopter provided aerial views. Surveillance footage revealed the doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 A.M. On February 1st, with motion detected at 2:12 A.M. By an unspecified software. Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from its monitoring app at 2:28 A.M., providing a crucial timeline marker.
According to the FBI, the individual captured on the doorbell camera was wearing a balaclava, gloves, and a backpack with reflector strips. A holster, positioned unusually low over the groin area, appeared to contain a handgun. Experts described the holster placement as “tactically ridiculous,” indicating a lack of professional firearms training. The individual attempted to obscure the camera lens with a clump of withered plants and a small flashlight.
Nancy Guthrie worked as a journalist at the University of Kentucky in the 1960s, serving as society editor for the Kentucky Kernel student newspaper. Following her marriage to Charles Guthrie, who died in 1988, she worked in public affairs at the University of Arizona. She has been a resident of the Tucson area since the 1970s.
Savannah Guthrie addressed the public on Monday, describing the situation as a “nightmare” and appealing for assistance. She referenced a $6 million bitcoin ransom demand and emphasized her family’s faith, stating their prayers were “lifting” her mother. In a previous “Today” show segment, Guthrie spoke fondly of Tucson, describing the “laidback and gentle” quality of life with her mother and sister at El Charro restaurant.
Law enforcement officials have identified five potential motives for kidnapping: financial gain, ideology, domestic discord, exploitation, and delusion. Some have speculated whether Savannah Guthrie’s high-profile career as a journalist may have played a role, particularly given recent rhetoric targeting the media.
