Authorities Ramp Up Search for Missing 'Today' Host's Mother

Technology and public tips aid investigation into Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping as case nears 2-week mark

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, is ramping up as it nears the two-week mark. Authorities are utilizing advancements in DNA analysis, surveillance technology, and artificial intelligence to comb through leads, while also calling on the public to provide any information that could help locate Guthrie and her abductor. The case is described as extremely rare, with law enforcement focused on working every possible angle to bring the beloved mother home safely.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of this case, with Nancy Guthrie being the mother of a prominent TV personality, has generated significant public attention and resources from local and federal law enforcement. However, experts warn that too much attention can also cloud the investigation, underscoring the delicate balance authorities must strike as they pursue all avenues to solve this complex kidnapping.

The details

Authorities have deployed over 400 people to canvass the area, collect evidence, and follow up on leads. This includes a partnership between the local Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, which has the expertise and national reach needed for a case of this magnitude. Investigators have also received over 13,000 tips from the public, including a surge of 4,000 calls within 24 hours of the release of doorbell camera footage showing a masked man outside Guthrie's home the night she disappeared. The FBI has increased the reward for information to $100,000.

  • The Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation is nearing its two-week mark.
  • On Friday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reported that they have '400 people out on the ground, knocking on doors'.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her home in Pima, Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show, whose mother Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, the top local law enforcement officer where Nancy Guthrie disappeared.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary, who stated that the president is offering the full resources and weight of the federal government to help local authorities in the Nancy Guthrie case.

Justin Smith

A career law enforcement officer and the executive director of the National Sheriffs' Association, who provided expert commentary on the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“For the family, it's holding on hope when they expect something early on. For those in the (law enforcement) system, it's going through the information you have. It's putting new eyes on the information you have.”

— Justin Smith, Executive Director, National Sheriffs' Association (foxkansas.com)

“We don't hold information from anybody that's going to help us. Why would we do that? There are no egos here. This is all about finding Nancy.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (foxkansas.com)

“The president is 'offering the full resources and weight of the federal government to help local authorities bring this case to an end, to bring Nancy Guthrie home.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (foxkansas.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the importance of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement, as well as the critical role that public tips and advancements in technology can play in solving complex crimes. However, experts caution that too much media attention can also complicate investigations, underscoring the delicate balance authorities must maintain.