Expert calls FBI’s 10-day delay in releasing Nancy Guthrie case footage 'pretty shocking'

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Questions have arisen after the FBI released surveillance footage 10 days after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home, prompting concern over the delay in making the video available to the public.

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy, the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, has intensified following the release of surveillance footage and the detention of an individual for questioning.

Surveillance footage delay and legal explanation in Nancy Guthrie case

Authorities say Nancy was last seen inside her home on January 31, and was reported missing the following day. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are continuing to pursue multiple leads as new developments emerge in the case.

Criminal defense attorney Steve Greenberg joined The National News Desk to discuss the latest developments in the case. “It’s pretty shocking that it took this long for them to come up with this video,” Greenberg said.

He explained that the delay stemmed from the Guthrie's not having access to the footage under the terms of their Nest camera subscription. 

Greenberg said, “So apparently it was fairly complicated. Although I think ten days is an extraordinarily long period of time to recover any video." The FBI has referred to the individual seen in the video as a “subject” rather than a suspect. 

He said there is a legal reason for this distinction, “Well, they don't want to call him a suspect, because as soon as you label someone a suspect, then certain rights are going to kick in. When you come in contact with them, they're going to say that you should have given them Miranda, if you start questioning them right away." 

DNA tests showed that blood found on Nancy's front porch was a match to her, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Investigators said they have no proof of life but hope she is “still out there.” 

Detention and federal response in the Nancy Guthrie investigation

A person was detained for questioning in connection with the abduction of Nancy, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI, detained the individual south of Tucson, the source told ABC News.

The person is being held for questioning as investigators continue to pursue multiple leads. Law enforcement officials are preparing to search a location linked to the detained individual, though no charges have been filed yet in connection with the abduction.

CNN law enforcement analyst John Miller described the development as “very significant,” noting it was the first time in the investigation that an individual had been questioned since the abduction. However, Miller emphasized it was “too early to tell where this is going.”

A senior Trump administration official also told CBS News that the White House is monitoring the situation in Tucson closely.

Earlier Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she and President Donald Trump had reviewed the latest surveillance video and photos, and that Trump’s initial reaction to the situation was “pure disgust.”