Retired FBI Agent Shares Theories on Nancy Guthrie's Kidnapping

Scott Curtis believes the case is a 'personal grievance' unrelated to Savannah Guthrie's fame

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A former FBI agent is sharing his theories on the disappearance of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy. Retired agent Scott Curtis told Us Weekly that he believes the case is a 'personal grievance' unrelated to Savannah's celebrity, and that the perpetrators likely had detailed knowledge of Nancy's residence and routine.

Why it matters

The high-profile disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has garnered national attention, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward. Curtis' insights provide an experienced law enforcement perspective on the case and the challenges authorities face in tracking down the perpetrators.

The details

According to authorities, Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after failing to show up for church on February 1. Concerning circumstances at her home in Arizona's Catalina Foothills led to a homicide investigation, with police believing she 'didn't leave on her own.' Savannah and her siblings have released videos pleading for her safe return, acknowledging the existence of ransom notes. Curtis believes the perpetrators had detailed knowledge of Nancy's residence and routine, and that identifying a vehicle associated with the crime could be key to breaking the case.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence on January 31.
  • She was reported missing on February 1 after failing to show up for church.
  • On February 4, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video pleading for their mother's safe return.
  • On February 5, Savannah's brother Camron Guthrie released a video message to the perpetrators.
  • On February 6, the FBI confirmed the existence of a 'new message regarding Nancy Guthrie.'

The players

Scott Curtis

A retired FBI agent who previously spearheaded the largest single-day takedown of organized crime members in U.S. history.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show, whose 84-year-old mother Nancy has gone missing.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, who was reported missing after failing to show up for church on February 1.

Camron Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's brother, who has released a video message to the perpetrators.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has stated that 'concerning circumstances' were found at Nancy Guthrie's home.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is a personal grievance related to the family. If this was about Savannah, I think there would have been some kind of direct or indirect message in these ransom notes about Savannah. And we don't see that at all. Or something Savannah said, right? And we don't see that either, based on what we've been told.”

— Scott Curtis, Retired FBI Agent (Us Weekly)

“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in high-profile kidnapping cases, where perpetrators may have detailed knowledge of their targets and use sophisticated methods to avoid detection. Identifying a vehicle associated with the crime could be a crucial next step in the investigation.