Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for 20 days. She was last seen on the night of January 31, 2026, and reported missing the next day from her home in the Catalina Foothills area.
Expert Dismisses Cold Case Claims
Online speculation suggests the investigation has stalled into a cold case, but forensic criminologist and law enforcement expert Dr. Ron Martinelli counters that view. “This is not a TV crime drama, it’s the real deal,” Dr. Martinelli states. He describes the probe as “very difficult and frustrating” yet “far from becoming a cold case,” an unsolved matter no longer under active pursuit.
More than 400 FBI agents and sheriff’s deputies continue intensive efforts. Dr. Martinelli terms their approach “gumshoe work,” emphasizing that detectives must pursue every lead, no matter how minor, and methodically develop persons of interest.
Key Evidence Updates
Investigators recently confirmed that DNA from gloves found near the scene does not match samples recovered inside the residence. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos noted on February 19 that the DNA profile represents a mixture.
Dr. Martinelli expresses confidence: “I am confident that we will eventually identify the kidnap suspects involved.” He adds that as the FBI nears a suspect arrest, activity quiets: “As they get closer to developing a suspect where an arrest can be made, they tend to go dark and you don’t see them up on the podium, making statements or doing press conferences.”
Reward Boost and Suspect Leads
The reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper’s arrest doubled on February 18 to $200,000, following an anonymous $100,000 donation to the FBI’s original $100,000 fund.
The FBI holds photos and names of individuals believed to match a suspect captured on surveillance video outside Guthrie’s front door, released on February 10.
Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Appeal
Savannah Guthrie remains focused on the search. In a video posted on February 16, she urged: “I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it’s never too late. And you’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. And we believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.”
Today Show Pays Tribute
While Savannah spends time with family, the Today show’s Studio 1A honors Nancy with a redesigned set. On February 18, hosts Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb explained they drew inspiration from viewers and the public placing yellow flowers near Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona, home. “We got a suggestion from one of our viewers, and we’re doing the same here. We’ve got yellow roses around Studio 1A and we’re all wearing ribbons as we send our love to Savannah and her family,” Hoda Kotb said.
