Eleven days after the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie vanished from her home in the foothills outside Tucson, Arizona, investigators had yet to identify a suspect or even a person of interest Wednesday.
A potential break Tuesday, when authorities detained a person for questioning, proved unfruitful when the individual was released hours later. This followed the release of video footage earlier that day showing a masked and apparently armed person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep the night of her disappearance.
The lack of progress has prompted questions for local and federal investigators, who have not held a news conference in days. While the situation may appear bleak, investigators may be further along than publicly known.
Investigative Strategies
Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole noted that cases often appear stalled initially but are eventually solved. Investigators are currently relying on public assistance, having released surveillance footage of a masked individual on Guthrie’s porch wearing a ski mask, backpack, and what appeared to be a holstered handgun.
O’Toole drew a parallel to the hunt for Ted Kaczynski, who was ultimately caught after his brother recognized his tone in a manifesto published in The New York Times and The Washington Post. Similarly, a tip from someone who recognized Luigi Mangione at a McDonald’s led to his arrest five days after he allegedly shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in New York.
Investigators have confirmed that DNA from blood found on Guthrie’s porch matched her. They are continuing to search for DNA evidence from a possible suspect, including hair or fingerprints.
The case of Bryan Kohberger, arrested after trace DNA was found on a knife sheath in the University of Idaho murders, demonstrates this approach. Investigators tracked his car using surveillance footage and obtained a DNA sample from trash outside his family’s home, which matched the father of the person whose DNA was on the knife sheath.
A similar reliance on public tips played a role in the Brown University shooting in 2025. A man posting on Reddit recognized a person of interest and provided information about a gray Nissan, ultimately leading investigators to the shooter.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported receiving nearly 18,000 calls since the day Guthrie was reported missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nancy Guthrie disappear?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on February 1, 2026, after being dropped off at her home by family around 9:50 p.m.
What evidence has been released to the public?
Investigators released surveillance footage showing a masked person on Guthrie’s porch wearing a ski mask, backpack, and what looked like a holstered handgun.
Has a suspect been identified?
As of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, investigators had not identified a suspect or a person of interest in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
What role might seemingly small details play in solving this case, and will the public’s assistance prove crucial in bringing Nancy Guthrie home?
