A person has been detained for questioning in the case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, as confirmed by sources familiar with the investigation. The detention took place on Tuesday in an area south of Tucson, Arizona. However, authorities have not provided further details, and it remains unclear if the person in question is the individual captured on surveillance video released earlier the same day.
The investigation intensified after the FBI revealed disturbing images from a doorbell camera outside the home of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy. These images showed evidence of tampering with the camera on the morning of her disappearance. In a statement on X, FBI director Kash Patel explained that the agency, alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, has been collaborating with private sector partners to recover lost or corrupted video footage from Nancy's home, which may have been affected by the removal of recording devices.
The released still images depict an armed individual tampering with the camera, dressed in gloves and a balaclava while holding a flashlight in their mouth. Former FBI agent Katherine Schweit emphasized that the person’s physical characteristics, despite being mostly covered, may still provide useful leads in the investigation. The afternoon following the detainment, law enforcement returned to Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood, obstructing her driveway, while also canvassing the area where her daughter Annie lives. Officers conducted door-to-door inquiries and searched a drainage area, illuminating culverts with flashlights.
This development marks a significant breakthrough in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who is believed to have been forcibly taken from her Tucson home on January 31. She was reported missing the next day after failing to attend church, and subsequent DNA analysis confirmed blood found on her front porch matched hers. Authorities underscored the urgency of the situation, noting Nancy's critical medical needs, including daily medication for high blood pressure and heart issues related to her pacemaker.
While various media outlets have reportedly received ransom notes from the supposed kidnappers, law enforcement officials have refrained from disclosing the credibility of these letters, merely stating that all tips are being thoroughly investigated. Initial deadlines for responding to the ransom demands passed last Thursday and this Monday.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made multiple public appeals through video messages directed at the kidnappers. In their first video, released three days after her disappearance, they expressed their willingness to communicate with the culprits, seeking proof that their mother is alive. Savannah emphasized the importance of directly hearing from the kidnappers, reiterating their desire for reassurance regarding Nancy’s well-being.
The following day, her brother Camron reiterated the family's plea for the kidnappers to get in touch, stressing that they have not received any direct communication. Over the past weekend, the family shared another video, carrying a more cryptic message that led to heightened speculation about Nancy's condition. Savannah, accompanied by her siblings, stated, "We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her." She indicated that their family would be willing to negotiate for her return.
This week, the FBI has expanded its outreach by launching digital billboards across major cities from Texas to California in hopes of raising awareness about Nancy Guthrie’s case. FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan mentioned that they were not aware of any ongoing communications between Nancy's family and the suspected kidnappers and noted that no suspects or persons of interest have been identified yet. Hagan concluded by urging the public, stating, "Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home."
