Investigation Continues as Savannah Guthrie's Mother Remains Missing

Fri Feb 13 2026 01:13:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Eleven days after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the search intensifies amid a lack of leads and public appeals for information.

Eleven days into the investigation of Nancy Guthrie's mysterious disappearance, authorities remain without leads despite the release of surveillance footage showing a masked figure at her home. Investigators are under pressure to make progress, as the FBI and local authorities continue their search with public assistance. Experts highlight how such cases can often turn around unexpectedly.

Eleven days have passed since highly recognized 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona. As the investigation unfolds, authorities admit they have yet to identify any suspects or persons of interest.

A potential lead emerged when law enforcement detained a man for questioning on Tuesday, but he was released soon after, leading to growing concerns about the lack of progress in the case. Earlier in the day, investigators displayed video footage capturing a masked and armed individual at Nancy's home on the night of her disappearance.

The ongoing investigation has led to questions from both the public and the media, with some speculating that the search might be deteriorating into a cold case. Yet, some experts suggest there may still be significant developments beneath the surface.

Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI profiler known for her work on high-profile cases, explained that many investigations can seem stagnant early on but still yield results over time. Investigators often utilize strategies similar to those seen in other notable cases.

Public Involvement: A Key to the Investigation

The release of the surveillance footage serves as a strategic appeal to the public to help identify the masked suspect. O’Toole recalls how pivotal public tips were in solving historic cases, such as the 'Unabomber,' whose brother recognized his writing style and alerted the FBI.

In Nancy Guthrie's case, experts believe someone in the community may recognize behaviors or odd actions related to the suspect. Observations of unusual behavior, like becoming withdrawn or overly preoccupied with the media coverage, could prove crucial in gathering information.

Analyzing Clues and Pursuing DNA Evidence

Crime scene DNA has already provided insights, with authorities confirming that blood found on Nancy’s porch matched her own. Investigators are not only looking for additional DNA evidence but are also considering other biological traces, such as hair or fingerprints, which have been crucial in solving various cases.

For example, the capture of Bryan Kohberger in connection with the University of Idaho murders relied on DNA evidence found at a crime scene, leading investigators back to him through genealogical databases.

A Call for Tips and Community Engagement

In administrative channels, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported receiving nearly 18,000 inquiries since Nancy's disappearance. The FBI has also called for tipsters to come forward with information, echoing a sentiment that someone may hold vital details that could lead to solving the case.

As Savannah Guthrie makes public appeals for assistance, the hope remains that these outreach efforts will trigger the crucial tip needed to bring her mother home.