Nancy Guthrie: Day 39 — Wi-Fi Jammer Theory, Phoenix Canal Body, and Savannah's Return to New York
The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its 39th day Wednesday with no suspect named, no arrest made, and a family publicly holding together while investigators work a case that has grown only more complex with each passing week.
Where the Investigation Stands Right Now
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC in an interview that aired on the Today show Tuesday that he believes investigators are "definitely closer" to identifying a suspect or suspects. He confirmed a dedicated team from his department's homicide unit is working the case in tandem with the FBI under the presumption that Nancy is still alive.
That presumption matters. Cadaver dogs deployed earlier in the investigation are no longer being used, a tactical shift that Sheriff Nanos has not fully explained publicly. One law enforcement analyst told Fox News the pause could indicate investigators believe she may have been moved across the border into Mexico — a theory that remains unconfirmed.
The Wi-Fi Jammer Theory Takes Center Stage
The most significant investigative development of the past week centers on a damaged utility box discovered just around the corner from Nancy's Catalina Foothills home. The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed it is investigating the box for a possible connection to a reported internet outage that occurred around the time she disappeared in the early morning hours of February 1 — an outage that disrupted nearby home surveillance cameras.
FBI and Pima County Sheriff's agents went door to door through the neighborhood last Thursday, specifically asking residents whether they noticed any disruptions or issues with their internet service the night Nancy vanished. Several homeowners confirmed agents told them multiple neighbors had reported connectivity glitches that night.
One neighbor's Ring camera history from that night was mysteriously unavailable. If the outage was deliberate, it suggests a level of premeditation that sharply narrows the profile of whoever is responsible. Whether a Wi-Fi jammer was used is still under investigation.
DNA Leads and Mixed Evidence
Nanos confirmed investigators are still having challenges processing mixed DNA found at Nancy's property — a mixture potentially from several people, making it difficult to extract a single usable profile. Some DNA has been submitted to the FBI's national database with no matches returned.
DNA pulled from a pair of black gloves found two miles from her home traced back to a local restaurant worker with no connection to the case. Of the 16 pairs of gloves found in the surrounding area, most were traced back to members of search teams. Other gloves are still being tested at a private lab in Florida.
Phoenix Canal Body: No Connection Confirmed
On March 7, Phoenix police responded to a canal near 27th Place and Grand Canal Trail after an adult female was found unresponsive on the bank. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The discovery immediately drew public speculation.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department stated it has not been advised of any law enforcement activity at the canal being connected to Nancy's disappearance. Phoenix police have not released identifying information about the woman.
Savannah Steps Back Into Public View
Savannah Guthrie was photographed in public for the first time since her mother's suspected abduction on March 9, alongside her husband Mike Feldman and their young son in New York City — days after an emotional visit to the Today studio where she reunited with colleagues and confirmed plans to return to the air, without giving a timeline.
She stepped away from NBC duties that had included co-hosting the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics to assist in the search. In a statement, she urged anyone with information to contact authorities.
The Guthrie family is offering $1 million for information leading to Nancy's recovery, on top of additional rewards from the FBI and Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information: FBI tip line 1-800-CALL-FBI or Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.
