FBI releases suspect description in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping; $100,000 reward announced

Investigators have released a clearer description of a suspect in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, identifying distinctive clothing and gear seen in enhanced home-security footage, as the reward for information rises to $100,000 and public tips surpass 13,000.

Enhanced footage yields clearer suspect details

Just after 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 12, the FBI’s Phoenix office publicly identified the individual captured on Guthrie’s front-door camera as a suspect and shared a refined physical description. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. In the footage, he is seen wearing a black, 25-liter backpack identified as an Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.

Investigators said the clearer imagery followed a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera video by a specialized technology division. The enhanced clips, recovered from residual data in backend systems, depict a masked and gloved individual who appears to use a flashlight and attempts to obscure the lens with foliage. In another clip, the person approaches the home wearing a dark zip-up jacket, light pants, and a waist holster that appears to hold a weapon.

Timeline of disappearance and investigation

Guthrie, the mother of a national morning show anchor, has been missing since Saturday, Jan. 31. She was reported missing on Sunday, Feb. 1. Authorities believe she was taken from her home outside Tucson against her will.

Earlier in the investigation, a senior federal official described the person in the footage as armed and said the individual appeared to have tampered with the front-door camera on the morning of Guthrie’s disappearance. The newly released, more detailed description is intended to sharpen the focus of ongoing tips and lead development.

Public tips pass 13,000 as search intensifies

Since Feb. 1, 2026, more than 13,000 tips have come in from the public, officials said Thursday night. The volume reflects the national attention the case has drawn and the urgency of the search. Investigators emphasized that many leads hinge on members of the public recognizing specific items or behaviors seen in the footage and coming forward promptly.

On Thursday, investigators also confirmed they had recovered several items of evidence, including gloves, which were sent for DNA testing. Laboratory work is ongoing as teams pursue both forensic and field-based avenues.

Distinct items that may jog memories

Authorities highlighted several details they hope will stand out to potential witnesses: a black 25-liter ozark trail hiker backpack; a dark zip-up jacket; light-colored pants; a mask and gloves; and a holster at the waist. The individual also appeared to hold a flashlight in their mouth while attempting to conceal the camera view with foliage.

Investigators urged anyone who may have seen a person matching this description—especially in the early hours around Guthrie’s neighborhood on Jan. 31—or who recalled a recent purchase or sale of a similar backpack, to come forward. Even small observations about vehicles, routes, or recent changes in appearance could be meaningful to the case.

$100,000 reward and how to share information

The reward for information leading to progress in the case now stands at $100,000. Officials stressed that time-sensitive tips can make a critical difference as they map movements around the home, review security-video submissions, and process forensic evidence.

Anyone with information can contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME. Callers may remain anonymous where permitted by law. Tipsters are encouraged to include details such as dates, times, locations, clothing descriptions, vehicle information, and any distinguishing features.

As the search enters a new phase marked by enhanced imagery and a focused suspect description, investigators said they remain optimistic that the distinct gear and appearance captured on camera will generate the lead needed to find Nancy Guthrie and bring her home.