The family of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie has announced a $1 million reward – equivalent to approximately $1.42 million in Australian dollars – for information leading to the safe return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31st. The plea for help comes nearly four weeks after the 84-year-old was last seen at her home near Tucson, Arizona, and underscores the growing desperation as the investigation continues.
Savannah Guthrie made the emotional appeal in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, expressing the agonizing uncertainty her family has endured. “Every hour and minute and second and every long night has been agony since then, of worrying about her, fearing for her and aching for her,” she said. “And most of all missing her.” The family remains hopeful for a miracle, believing Nancy can still be brought home, even acknowledging the possibility she may no longer be alive.
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI. Investigators have been sifting through over 40,000 leads, according to reports, but a breakthrough remains elusive. The FBI had previously offered a reward of $100,000 for information in the case.
The search has focused on a masked and armed suspect captured on doorbell camera footage. The FBI released images and videos on February 10th showing the individual tampering with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door. The suspect is described as a male between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing gloves, a mask, and a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. Investigators believe the suspect’s clothing was purchased at a Walmart store and have been reviewing surveillance footage from nearby locations, according to the BBC.
A glove found near Nancy Guthrie’s home, resembling one worn by the suspect in the footage, was analyzed for DNA, but yielded no match, officials have said. The FBI also released an earlier image of the suspect without the backpack, taken during a previous visit to the property, though the timing of that visit remains unclear.
Sheriff Nanos told CBS News that investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an accomplice being involved in the suspected abduction. The investigation has included a search of a property in Rio Rico, Arizona, south of Tucson, on February 11th, but no further details about the search have been released. NBC News reported that a man detained for questioning in connection with the case was later released.
Nancy Guthrie has lived in the Tucson area for decades, finding solace and a sense of belonging in the desert landscape. Her daughter, Savannah, has often spoken fondly of the area, describing it as a place where she feels connected to her late father. CNN reported on the community’s reaction to the disappearance, noting the quiet neighborhood’s shock and sorrow.
“Someone out there knows something that can bring her home,” Savannah Guthrie pleaded in her Instagram post. “And we are begging you to please come forward now.” The family’s offer of a $1 million reward reflects their unwavering determination to find Nancy and bring her home.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI. The investigation remains active, and officials are hopeful that the increased reward will generate new leads and ultimately lead to Nancy’s safe return.
As the search enters its fifth week, the focus remains on identifying the suspect and uncovering any information that could shed light on Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. The family’s plea for help underscores the urgency of the situation and the deep anguish they are experiencing.
Please share this story and any information you may have with authorities. Your help could be crucial in bringing Nancy Guthrie home.
