Nancy Guthrie Update Today: Investigation Enters Week Four With DNA Challenges, No Arrest, and New Ransom Demand
The search for Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — enters its fourth week with no suspect identified, key DNA evidence facing lab complications, and a disturbing new ransom communication surfacing. Investigators remain on the case around the clock as the nation watches and waits.
Where Things Stand Today — February 22, 2026
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31 at her Tucson, Arizona, home by a family member. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, is the responding agency working alongside the FBI and national agencies. Authorities reported the morning after she was last seen that they believe she was kidnapped or taken against her will.
Right now, 400 investigators are assigned to the case operating 24/7. The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed detectives and agents were back in the neighborhood canvassing for clues on Saturday and Sunday. Detectives and agents have collected multiple gloves from the area, and analysis is part of the investigation.
DNA Evidence: The Lab Faces Complications
The most critical break in the case — partial DNA recovered at Nancy Guthrie's home — is moving slowly through the lab. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News the lab that received the DNA reported "challenges" with the sample. "We listen to our lab, and our lab tells us that there's challenges with it, and we understand those challenges, but our lab also knows that the technology is moving so fast... that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks or months," Nanos said. He noted he is "hopeful" the samples will get to a point where they can be submitted for investigative genetic genealogy or entered into CODIS, but "we're not there yet."
The unknown DNA found at the home is described as a mixture of DNA, which CeCe Moore, chief genetic genealogist at Parabon, a forensic genetic genealogy lab, said is "common" in violent crimes. She believes the kidnapper "will be identified" through investigative genetic genealogy.
DNA found on a glove two miles from Nancy's home was submitted to CODIS and did not trigger a match.
New Ransom Demand and Reward Money
TMZ reported receiving a "highly sophisticated" ransom demand involving cryptocurrency, graphically describing consequences if the ransom is not paid. The note contains a demand similar to a $6 million figure referenced in a previous email received days after the kidnapping. TMZ said they forwarded the demand to the FBI.
The reward to find Nancy Guthrie has increased to $202,500 after an anonymous donor contributed $102,500 in addition to the FBI's $100,000.
Key Evidence and Clues So Far
| Evidence Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Partial DNA at home | Lab processing — mixture, challenges identified |
| Black glove found 2 miles away | Tested in CODIS — no match |
| Multiple gloves in area | Collected, analysis ongoing |
| Surveillance video of masked suspect | Released publicly — unique gun holster visible |
| Nest camera footage | Disconnected ~1:50 a.m. Feb. 1 — recovery ongoing |
| Pacemaker signal | Disconnected ~2:30 a.m. Feb. 1 |
| Total tips received | Over 20,000 |
In the surveillance video taken in front of Nancy Guthrie's front door, the masked suspect can be seen wearing a unique-looking gun holster in an unusual position between his legs. Authorities have been showing a picture of the holster to local gun shop owners to see if anyone recognizes the suspect.
Investigators Not Ruling Out Multiple Suspects
Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person was involved in Nancy Guthrie's abduction. Partial DNA recovered at the home is, for the moment, unidentified. Technology companies and the FBI have recovered no additional video from her home security system, and investigators have been unable to associate a vehicle with her abduction.
Investigation May Shift to Smaller Task Force
The lack of recent progress may mean investigators soon scale back their resources. Sources with knowledge of the case told ABC News that given the seemingly sluggish progress, investigators believe the case would soon have to move into a new phase with fewer dedicated resources, but a small task force focused on it long term. The Guthrie family has been briefed on the fact that certain leads have not been panning out.
The family of Nancy Guthrie — including daughters Savannah and Annie Guthrie and son Camron Guthrie — has released video messages speaking directly to a possible kidnapper, asking for proof of life. As of Sunday, February 22, it has been six full days since Savannah Guthrie has publicly spoken out about her missing mother. Comments on Nancy Guthrie's personal Facebook page have also been turned off. The FBI continues to urge anyone with information to come forward. The reward stands at $202,500.
