Nancy Guthrie Update Today — Day 42: FBI Probes El Charro Restaurant Visit, Reward Goes Unclaimed, Suspect May Strike Again
The Nancy Guthrie investigation enters its 42nd day Saturday with no arrest, no confirmed location, and a reward that has gone entirely unclaimed — a detail that a retired FBI agent says speaks volumes about who knows what happened to the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Why the $1.2 Million Reward Has Not Been Claimed
Retired FBI special agent Steve Moore offered a blunt explanation for why the reward money has gone unclaimed: "I think the reason is most likely the fact that the only people who have knowledge of this are culpable." Moore added that the perpetrators appear to have carried out the crime in a way that kept others from knowing about it — making it unlikely that an accomplice would step forward.
Multiple ransom notes of undetermined origin were sent to media outlets demanding cryptocurrency payment, with two deadlines passing by February 9. Savannah Guthrie publicly addressed one note in a video alongside her siblings, saying the family was "ready to talk" and urging whoever was responsible to reach out.
FBI Investigates El Charro Restaurant Visit on Today Show Segment
One of the most striking new developments involves the FBI's focus on a November 2025 Today show segment filmed in Tucson.
Investigators returned to El Charro, the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States, where Savannah had filmed a segment with her mother Nancy Guthrie just months before the abduction. The FBI spoke with restaurant staff, asking whether anyone present during the filming appeared suspicious. The segment featured Savannah asking her mother what drew her to Tucson, with Nancy saying, "It's so wonderful — just the air, the quality of life. It's laid back and gentle."
The restaurant visit suggests investigators are actively exploring whether the Nancy Guthrie abduction was premeditated and potentially linked to her public appearance on the Today show.
Sheriff: Suspect Targeted Nancy — But Could Strike Again
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News Thursday that investigators believe the kidnapping was targeted and that they have a theory about the suspect's motive — though he declined to share specifics to protect the integrity of the investigation. "I think from Day One, we had strong beliefs about what happened and those beliefs haven't diminished," he said.
Despite the targeted theory, Sheriff Nanos issued a direct warning to the broader public. "Don't think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you're safe. No, keep your wits about you," he said, confirming the suspect could "absolutely" strike again.
Hearing Aids Could Be Key to Finding Nancy
Digital forensics expert Heather Barnhart revealed this week that Nancy Guthrie's second pair of hearing aids — which she may have been wearing at the time of the abduction — could be the key to tracking her location. Because the hearing aids pair via Bluetooth with a smartphone, the phone would log location data tied to the devices. Nancy's phone was left behind at home, limiting tracking options. Barnhart explained that if the hearing aids have a "Find My"-type feature, investigators may know the last location the devices were active before their batteries died.
Evidence Status and Investigation Updates
The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed Friday it continues to analyze various forms of evidence including material from laboratories as well as images and videos captured by cameras. Cadaver dogs have been paused but remain available if needed. The FBI-led Violent Crimes Task Force continues to work the case with four detectives and a sergeant assigned full-time.
As of Saturday March 14, Nancy Guthrie's condition and whereabouts remain unknown. Law enforcement has stated there is no indication of a threat to the general public.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward and the FBI is offering a separate $200,000 for information leading to Nancy's recovery or the arrest of anyone involved.
