FBI Says No Communication Between Guthrie Family and Abductors

Ransom deadline passes as FBI deploys more personnel to Tucson

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The FBI has released a statement saying they are no longer aware of any communication between the Guthrie family and the suspected kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie. The agency said it would not get involved in any ransom decisions by the family, but would offer advice. The FBI also said additional personnel are being deployed to Tucson and a 24-hour command post has been established as the search continues.

Why it matters

The Guthrie abduction case has garnered national attention, with the family publicly pleading for Nancy's safe return. The lack of communication between the family and abductors as a ransom deadline passes raises concerns about Nancy's wellbeing and the progress of the investigation.

The details

According to the FBI statement, the agency is not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and the suspected kidnappers. The FBI also said it has not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case at this time. The statement came on the day authorities said was set as a deadline in the ransom note from the purported kidnappers, which was the second deadline after the first passed on February 5th.

  • The first ransom deadline passed on February 5th.
  • The second ransom deadline was on February 9th.

The players

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the primary federal law enforcement agency in the United States, is leading the investigation into the Guthrie abduction case.

Nancy Guthrie

The woman who was abducted and whose safe return the FBI and Guthrie family are seeking.

Guthrie Family

The family of Nancy Guthrie, who have been publicly pleading for her safe return and communicating with the purported kidnappers.

Heith Janke

The FBI agent in charge of the Phoenix office, who was seen at the Guthrie family home as they recorded a video addressed to the purported kidnappers.

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What’s next

The FBI said additional personnel are being deployed to Tucson and a 24-hour command post has been established as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.

The takeaway

The lack of communication between the Guthrie family and the suspected kidnappers as a ransom deadline passes raises serious concerns about Nancy Guthrie's wellbeing and the progress of the investigation. The FBI is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring Nancy home safely.