Fact Check: Is Savannah Guthrie’s ex-husband Mark Orchard linked to her mother’s disappearance?

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Internet sleuths have dragged Savannah Guthrie’s former husband, journalist Mark Orchard, into the conversation surrounding the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. 

The speculation began after the FBI released surveillance images showing a masked individual lurking around Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona, home around the time she vanished.

Origin of the claim

The aforementioned images quickly spread across social media and forums, causing amateur sleuths to begin comparing the masked figure’s appearance to public photos of Orchard.

Some users on Reddit and other platforms floated theories about similarities between Orchard and the individual captured in the footage.

One post pointed to a “similar build, and the eyes seem similarly spaced,” while also referencing Orchard’s past relationship with Savannah Guthrie and claiming their divorce was contentious. The same user, however, included a disclaimer saying, “Again, not accusing anyone of anything.”

Orchard, who previously worked as a journalist and met Savannah Guthrie while both were covering the Michael Jackson trial, remains a largely private figure outside of his connection to the NBC anchor.

Despite that, his name began circulating following the FBI’s release of the surveillance material, which many viewers found unsettling and mysterious.

Fact Check: False

The claim that Mark Orchard is a suspect in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance is patently false and without a factual basis at this time. There is no official evidence, statement, or update from law enforcement linking Orchard to the case in any way.

The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have made it clear that no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified. The FBI has also announced a $50,000 reward for information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie or lead to identifying whoever is responsible for her disappearance.

The agency stressed in its statement that it is “not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers, nor have we identified a suspect or person of interest.”

The surveillance images show a masked and armed individual standing outside Nancy Guthrie’s residence around 1:47 am on February 1, the day she disappeared.

The person is seen tampering with her Nest doorbell camera, at times covering the lens with their hands or foliage. While the footage has raised concerns, law enforcement has not connected the individual in the images to Orchard or any other specific person.

Savannah Guthrie has publicly shared the surveillance images in an attempt to generate leads. She urged the public to help investigators. “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home," she said. However, none of her statements or any law enforcement communications have referenced Orchard as part of the investigation.

Related developments

The case remains active as investigators continue to analyze evidence and follow leads tied to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The FBI recently released surveillance images that were recovered from backend data stored by Nancy’s Nest doorbell system. Investigators were able to retrieve the footage even though the device’s active subscription had lapsed.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after she failed to show up for scheduled plans on February 1. Authorities later confirmed that the blood found at her residence belonged to her, leading investigators to believe she was taken against her will. 

Meanwhile, there have been reports that certain media outlets received ransom messages demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release. Investigators have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of these ransom demands and continue to examine whether they are legitimate or just opportunistic hoaxes to exploit the case.

Authorities have also not confirmed whether an individual detained during a traffic stop south of Tucson has any connection to the disappearance or to the surveillance images. Officials have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims.