KEY POINT
First visual evidence: Video captures a masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s front door early on Feb. 1.
Investigation ongoing: Authorities have not identified a suspect or made any arrests.
Family appeal: Savannah Guthrie shared the footage publicly, urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities released surveillance footage on Feb. 10 showing a masked individual at the home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, the night she went missing. The footage provides the first significant visual lead in the ongoing investigation.
The black and white video shows a person wearing a ski mask, gloves, and a backpack near Ms. Guthrie’s front door. Officials said the individual appeared to be armed. The material, recovered from the home’s security system, marks the first publicly available evidence depicting a possible suspect in the disappearance.
The surveillance video offers a critical glimpse of activity at Ms. Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence during the early hours of Feb. 1, intensifying the search for the elderly woman, who relies on daily medication and has limited mobility. Authorities emphasized the need for public assistance in developing investigative leads.
Ms. Guthrie was reported missing after failing to attend a scheduled church service and not answering calls. Investigators found that her doorbell camera had been tampered with and that her pacemaker’s connection to her phone stopped early that morning, suggesting potential abduction.
Blood matching Ms. Guthrie’s DNA was discovered on the front porch, indicating possible foul play.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pima County Sheriff’s Department quickly classified the case as suspicious. Authorities have stressed there is no confirmed suspect, urging caution against early speculation.
Dr. Laura White, forensic psychology professor at the University of Arizona, said the video can provide valuable behavioral and physical clues. “Distinctive movements, the way a person carries objects, and timing can help investigators narrow potential suspects,” she said.
Michael Reeves, retired FBI special agent and author of Investigative Forensics, emphasized context. “Surveillance footage is a tool, not a conclusion,” he said. “It must be combined with other evidence to guide an investigation effectively.”
Savannah Guthrie posted the footage on social media, appealing for public support. “We believe our mother is still out there,” she said, urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a Feb. 10 briefing, “We are following every credible lead and encourage the community to come forward if they have information.”
Authorities plan to review additional neighborhood surveillance and enhance the released video for investigative purposes.
Officials continue to examine potential links to early ransom communications, although the FBI has stated there is no verified ongoing contact with the family.
Cloud data from third-party devices may provide further insights into vehicles or individuals present during the disappearance.
The release of surveillance images marks a critical development in the Nancy Guthrie case, providing law enforcement and the public a clearer view of the events surrounding her disappearance.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of public cooperation to advance the investigation and bring Ms. Guthrie safely home.
