Authorities seek neighborhood surveillance footage as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters third week

TUCSON, AZ: The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week with no arrests. Authorities are urging residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills home to review and submit any surveillance footage recorded between January 31 and February 2.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, after being dropped off at her residence by her older daughter and son-in-law following dinner. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend a church service at a friend's home.

Investigators are treating the case as a suspected kidnapping, citing doorbell camera footage that shows a masked individual carrying a backpack and a holstered handgun on the property during the early morning hours of February 1.

Neighbors asked for surveillance assistance

Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials are urging neighbors to submit all video footage that includes vehicle traffic, pedestrians, or anything deemed unusual. This request follows a forensic analysis of recovered doorbell footage that led the FBI to describe the suspect as a male approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall, of average build. 

The suspect was seen wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack during the incident. While authorities have received thousands of tips, they hope additional private surveillance footage will help map the suspect's movements.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized the importance of community cooperation, noting that investigators are working "around the clock" to find answers. 

Forensic results pending for evidence

Evidence collected from Guthrie's home includes blood splatters on the front porch that have tested positive for her DNA. Investigators are also analyzing "outsider DNA" found at the property that does not match Guthrie or her immediate circle.

The FBI said it is awaiting official confirmation on results from several gloves discovered two miles from the residence. 

On Sunday, the Bureau told NewsNation that preliminary lab results on the gloves were received Saturday, with official confirmation expected within 24 hours.

Earlier in the week, a man was briefly detained for questioning but was later released. All collected evidence remains under intensive laboratory analysis as the task force attempts to identify a person of interest. 

Unverified reports of ransom notes

The case has drawn massive national attention, complicated by unverified reports of ransom notes sent to local Arizona television stations and the website TMZ.

While the FBI has not explicitly confirmed the authenticity of these communications, it is treating a separate ransom letter with "utmost seriousness."

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, have shared multiple videos on social media pleading for their mother's safe return and expressing willingness to pay for her release. "This is incredibly valuable to us, and we will pay," Savannah stated in one emotional appeal. The FBI has increased the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or the conviction of those involved. 

Law enforcement warns against speculation

As the search continues, Arizona State Representative Alma Hernandez criticized "wannabe journalists" and YouTubers for spreading "insane speculation" that she claims has jeopardized the investigation. Hernandez urged the public to let law enforcement work without interference, particularly during high-stakes operations like the recent federal search of a residence two miles from Guthrie’s home. 

Late Friday night, SWAT and forensic teams converged on an area near East Orange Grove Road and North First Avenue, though the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed no arrests were made. Despite the lack of an immediate breakthrough, Sheriff Nanos has vowed that authorities "won't quit" until Nancy Guthrie is found.