FBI Increases Reward Money in Search for Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mom

Authorities release new details about alleged kidnapper as investigation intensifies

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The FBI has increased the reward money from $50,000 to $100,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of anyone involved in the mysterious disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy. Authorities have released surveillance footage and a description of the alleged kidnapper, but have yet to identify any suspects or persons of interest in the case.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of this case, involving the mother of a prominent TV news personality, has generated significant public interest and pressure on local and federal investigators to make progress in the search. The lack of updates has raised questions about the status of the investigation, though experts say cases can often seem stalled early on before eventually being solved.

The details

On Thursday, the FBI released details about the alleged kidnapper obtained from security footage, describing the suspect as a male approximately 5'9" to 5'10" tall with an average build, wearing a black 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack. Authorities have also confirmed they have located several items of evidence, including black gloves, which have been submitted for DNA analysis. Earlier this week, police detained a delivery driver for questioning before releasing him.

  • On Thursday, the FBI increased the reward money from $50,000 to $100,000.
  • Earlier this week, police detained a delivery driver for questioning before releasing him.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

A prominent TV news personality whose 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has gone missing.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie who has mysteriously disappeared.

Carlos Palazuelos

A delivery driver who was briefly detained for questioning by police before being released.

Mary Ellen O'Toole

A former FBI profiler who worked on the yearslong search for the 'Unabomber' and commented on the Guthrie case.

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What they’re saying

“I hope they get the suspect, because I am not it.”

— Carlos Palazuelos, Delivery driver (The Wrap)

“From the outside, it might seem like solving the case and finding the 84-year-old Guthrie is growing unlikely, but investigators may be further along than they let on.”

— Mary Ellen O'Toole, Former FBI profiler (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carlos Palazuelos out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile missing persons case has generated significant public interest and pressure on authorities to make progress, highlighting the challenges of solving complex crimes even when resources are abundant. The investigation's lack of visible updates underscores the need for patience and trust in law enforcement, as experts suggest cases can often seem stalled early on before eventually being cracked.