Investigators Work with Walmart After Identifying Suspect's Backpack in Guthrie Kidnapping

Authorities say the suspect's backpack is sold exclusively at Walmart, leading them to consult with the retailer for further leads.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Investigators working on the disappearance of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, are consulting with Walmart management to develop leads because a backpack the suspect was wearing is sold exclusively at the stores, the Pima County, Arizona, sheriff said. Authorities have released surveillance footage of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie's front door the night she vanished, and a porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves.

Why it matters

The discovery of the suspect's backpack, which is exclusive to Walmart, provides an important clue that could help investigators track down the perpetrator and uncover more details about the kidnapping. Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has garnered national attention, and the case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving high-profile missing persons cases.

The details

Investigators say Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on the front porch of her Arizona home, where she was last seen on January 31. Purported ransom notes have been sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed. The FBI has released surveillance footage of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie's front door the night she vanished, and a porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. Authorities have identified the backpack as an 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' that is sold exclusively at Walmart, and they are now working with the retailer to develop further leads.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Arizona home on January 31, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing the following day, on February 1, 2026.
  • The FBI released surveillance footage on February 16, 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Arizona home on February 1, 2026.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County, Arizona, sheriff who is leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Ozark Trail Hiker Pack

A 25-liter backpack that is sold exclusively at Walmart and was worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage.

Walmart

The retailer that exclusively sells the 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack worn by the suspect, and which is now working with investigators to develop further leads.

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What they’re saying

“This backpack is exclusive to Walmart and we are working with Walmart management to develop further leads.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The Associated Press)

“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Investigators are awaiting official confirmation of DNA test results from a glove discovered near the Guthrie home, which could provide additional evidence in the case.

The takeaway

The discovery of the suspect's exclusive Walmart backpack is a significant development that could help investigators track down the perpetrator and uncover more details about Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving high-profile missing persons cases, and the importance of collaborating with businesses and the public to gather crucial evidence.