Nancy Guthrie case: FBI conducts 'extensive search' in Arizona

CATALINA FOOTHILLS, ARIZONA: The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie entered its 11th day on Wednesday, as the FBI confirmed it is conducting an “extensive search” in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.

The renewed push comes days after authorities released surveillance footage showing a masked and armed individual approaching her home.

Guthrie, the mother of ‘Today’ show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31. Authorities believe she was kidnapped or abducted overnight from her residence. 

FBI expands ground search near Nancy Guthrie’s home

The FBI’s Phoenix office said agents are searching along several roadways in the Catalina Foothills, an area near Guthrie’s home. Officials have not revealed what they are specifically looking for but urged residents to follow traffic laws and remain cautious around law enforcement activity.

The bureau’s hostage rescue team was also in Tucson on Wednesday, signaling the seriousness of the investigation. Guthrie’s disappearance has raised urgent concern due to her medical condition. She has a pacemaker and requires daily medication for a heart condition. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need to locate her quickly.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators are examining more than one individual as a “person of interest.” “We are looking at people who, as we say, are persons of interest,” Patel said.

However, officials have not publicly identified any suspects. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said no press briefings or interviews are scheduled at this time.

Masked suspect video spurs FBI action

The FBI released surveillance images and video described as the first substantial public evidence in the case. The footage, retrieved from residual data in backend systems, shows a masked individual approaching Guthrie’s home.

The video from a Google Nest camera shows a person wearing a full-face mask, gloves, and a backpack. The individual appears to have a flashlight in their mouth and a gun in a front holster. The footage shows the person placing a gloved hand over the camera lens and then using a nearby shrub to further conceal the device. The FBI said the images were recovered from residual backend data, though it has not detailed how long the footage was accessible or why it was retrievable.

Following the release of the video, law enforcement returned to the home of Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, located about four miles from her mother’s residence. Search and rescue teams canvassed the surrounding area, including what appeared to be wooded terrain, and spoke with neighbors.

The Oro Valley Police Department confirmed that regional SWAT and bomb squad teams were activated to assist the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Despite the chilling footage, investigators have not labeled the masked individual as a suspect.

Detained man denies role in Nancy Guthrie case

As the investigation unfolded, a man identified only as Carlos was detained for questioning but released early Wednesday, February 11. Speaking outside his home, he denied any involvement in the case.

“They held me against my will. They didn’t even read me my rights until two hours later,” Carlos said. “I didn’t do anything … I’m innocent.”

He claimed investigators searched his vehicles, including a van, and executed a search warrant at his home in Rio Rico, breaking his front and garage doors in the process. Rio Rico is about an hour south of Tucson and roughly 15 miles north of the US-Mexico border.

Carlos said he was shocked when officers pulled him over during a traffic stop on Tuesday. According to him, he was not questioned but instead watched as his property was searched.

“I hope they get the suspect that did it because I’m not it,” he said.

Speaking to NewsNation, a woman who identified herself as Carlos’ mother-in-law said he was inside her home in Rio Rico when Guthrie went missing. Authorities have not confirmed whether Carlos was considered a person of interest or whether anyone has been formally cleared.

Savannah Guthrie pleads for public’s help

Savannah Guthrie shared an emotional message asking for assistance. “We believe our mom is still out there and we need your help,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don’t know where … We are at an hour of desperation. And we need your help."

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.