‘My theory is that she's passed’: Ex-police chief suggests Nancy Guthrie likely died after abduction

TUCSON, ARIZONA: The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its seventh week, with investigators still working to determine what happened to the 84-year-old after her suspected abduction in the early hours of February 1, 2026. 

The case has drawn widespread attention due to Nancy’s connection to Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s ‘Today’ show.

Authorities believe Nancy was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, and have since released doorbell camera footage showing a masked suspect. Despite ongoing efforts and public appeals from the family, no major breakthrough has been announced, leaving room for speculation as officials continue to pursue leads.

Theory on abduction

Rick Kastigar, a former police chief and one-time superior of Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, shared his perspective on the case during an appearance on NewsNation’s ‘Brian Entin Investigates.’

Speaking with journalist Brian Entin, Kastigar suggested that the abduction may have involved more than one individual and could have been carefully planned.

According to Kastigar, it would make sense for the perpetrators to keep Nancy alive in order to use her as leverage in negotiations with her family. He theorized that the abductors may have transported her across the border into Mexico, where they could address any medical needs she had while keeping her hidden.

“What would prevent an individual who had planned this out, to the level that I think he did, from going into Mexico and harboring her someplace in Mexico where, theoretically, they could deal with her medical issues,” the former police chief told Entin.

Kastigar added that maintaining Nancy’s health would have been crucial if the kidnappers intended to demand money, which he believes could have been a primary motive.

‘My theory is that she’s passed’

While outlining a possible plan behind the abduction, Kastigar also expressed doubt that it ultimately succeeded. He suggested that something may have gone wrong after Nancy was taken, potentially derailing any attempt to negotiate with her family.

“And I believe that negated their opportunity to get what they wanted from the family. A lot of us think it’s money, and that very well may be,” he continued.

Kastigar further pointed to statements made by Savannah Guthrie and her family, noting that their public pleas have focused on bringing Nancy home but have not explicitly stated that she be returned alive.

“My theory is that she’s passed,” he stated. “My theory is that they have nothing, they being the perpetrators, really have nothing with which to bargain any further. and what they may have done with her, I don’t know.”

The investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to review evidence and follow up on leads. Officials have not confirmed Kastigar’s theory, and Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues.