Investigators Believe Nancy Guthrie's Abduction Was Burglary Gone Wrong

New leads suggest the 84-year-old woman could still be alive, according to an inside source.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Investigators in Phoenix, Arizona are uncovering new leads in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her home in a suspected burglary gone wrong. An inside source tells local news reporters that there is a widespread belief Guthrie could still be alive, contrary to initial assumptions. Experts who reviewed doorbell camera footage say the incident did not appear to be a planned kidnapping.

Why it matters

The Guthrie case has garnered significant attention in the Phoenix area, as the community grapples with the possibility of a vulnerable elderly resident being the victim of a violent crime. The new investigative leads provide hope that Guthrie may still be found alive, which would be an unexpected and positive outcome.

The details

According to the inside source, investigators now believe the incident was a burglary that escalated, rather than a premeditated kidnapping. The source indicates that multiple experts who reviewed the doorbell camera footage came to the conclusion that the abduction did not appear to be a planned operation.

  • The incident occurred on February 16, 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona who was abducted from her home in a suspected burglary gone wrong.

Briana Whitney

A true crime correspondent for Arizona's Family news station who is reporting on the Guthrie case.

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What they’re saying

“There is a widespread belief that the 84-year-old could be alive.”

— Inside source (Arizona's Family)

What’s next

Investigators will continue to pursue new leads in the hopes of locating Nancy Guthrie and determining the full circumstances surrounding her abduction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexity of criminal investigations, as new evidence can emerge that challenges initial assumptions. The possibility that an elderly victim may still be alive provides a glimmer of hope, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.