Nancy Guthrie remains missing nine months after authorities say she was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona, home. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators continue working with a task force on DNA analysis and other investigative strategies. Authorities also urged the public to report any information, emphasizing that even a seemingly minor detail could help. The case includes two ransom notes released in July and a possible additional note reported in September.
The 84-year-old was last seen shortly before 10 p.m. on Jan. 31, after a relative dropped her off at her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Investigators believe she was taken from the residence on Feb. 1. A masked man was captured on a doorbell camera, but no suspect or person of interest has been publicly identified.
The sheriff’s department said investigators traveled to Florida earlier in October to meet with laboratory scientists and discuss ways to advance the case. Officials have not disclosed whether the DNA work has produced a match or identified a suspect.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | DNA analysis remains a central investigative focus |
| 2) | Authorities renew their appeal for public tips |
| 3) | The disappearance began at a Tucson residence |
| 4) | Ransom notes remain part of the investigation |
| 5) | Investigators are assessing a possible new note |
DNA analysis remains a central investigative focus
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said its investigators are continuing to work with the Nancy Guthrie Task Force and laboratory partners to examine DNA evidence. Earlier in October, investigators traveled to Florida to meet with lab scientists and discuss additional methods that might move the case forward. The department said several ideas were considered and that work with its partners would continue.
The department has not announced a DNA identification, a suspect or a person of interest. The latest update indicates that investigators are still testing or evaluating available evidence as they seek to establish what happened inside or near the home and identify the person responsible.
Authorities renew their appeal for public tips
Investigators are asking anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact authorities. The sheriff’s department said no tip should be dismissed as insignificant because a small observation could be important when combined with other evidence.
Information can be provided to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. People who want to remain anonymous can call 520-88-CRIME. The renewed appeal comes as the task force continues reviewing physical evidence, reported communications and information shared with investigators since the disappearance.
The disappearance began at a Tucson residence
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, was last seen shortly before 10 p.m. on Jan. 31. A relative had dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. Authorities say she was kidnapped from the residence on Feb. 1.
A masked man appeared on Nancy Guthrie’s Ring doorbell camera. Despite that footage and the department’s conclusion that she did not leave voluntarily, authorities have not publicly identified who entered the property or where she may have been taken. Sheriff Chris Nanos previously told reporters that she did not leave on her own.
Ransom notes remain part of the investigation
Authorities released two ransom notes in late July. The first, dated Feb. 2, said Nancy Guthrie was unharmed and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release. A second note, dated Feb. 6, said she had died shortly after the kidnapping.
Officials said the notes contained a distinctive writing style and asked members of the public to report whether they recognized the patterns. The release of the notes was followed by increased public attention and additional tips, but authorities have not said that the notes led to an arrest or confirmed the identity of their author.
Investigators are assessing a possible new note
In late September, the sheriff’s department said the task force had been made aware of a possible new ransom note connected to the investigation. Officials also noted that social media comments about the note were circulating and said investigators were examining the information to determine whether it was credible.
The department has not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the possible note or described its contents. Its status remains part of the broader review as investigators compare information, examine evidence and coordinate with federal and laboratory partners.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Investigators met with Florida laboratory scientists in October to discuss additional DNA analysis. |
| 2 | Authorities say Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson home on Feb. 1. |
| 3 | Two ransom notes were released in July, including one demanding $4 million in cryptocurrency. |
| 4 | Investigators are reviewing the credibility of a possible additional note reported in September. |
| 5 | The public can provide information to the FBI or anonymously to local crime tip lines. |
Summary
Nine months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, the investigation remains active, with DNA analysis, ransom-note review and public tips at the center of the effort. Authorities have not announced a suspect, a person of interest or a confirmed resolution. Investigators continue coordinating with task-force members, laboratory scientists and federal partners while asking the public to share potentially relevant information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nancy Guthrie disappear?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen shortly before 10 p.m. on Jan. 31 and authorities say she was kidnapped from her Tucson home on Feb. 1.
What are investigators doing now?
Investigators are working with the task force and laboratory scientists on DNA analysis, reviewing tips and assessing information related to ransom notes.
How can the public provide information?
Information can be reported to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 520-88-CRIME.
