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Pima Today
By the People, for the People
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. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch, and purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.
Why it matters
The discovery of the suspect's backpack, which is only sold at Walmart, provides a potential key piece of evidence that investigators hope will help them identify and locate the perpetrator. Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has garnered national attention due to her daughter's high-profile status, and authorities are under pressure to make progress in the case.
The details
The Federal Bureau of Investigation released surveillance videos of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie's front door in Tucson the night she vanished. A porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack was the only clothing item that has been 'definitively identified' and that it is exclusive to Walmart.
- 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 players
Nancy Guthrie
The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Arizona home.
Savannah Guthrie
The host of the 'Today' show and daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.
Chris Nanos
The Pima County, Arizona, sheriff leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Ozark Trail Hiker Pack
A 25-liter backpack that is sold exclusively at Walmart and was worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage.
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)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.
The takeaway
The discovery of the suspect's distinctive backpack, which is only sold at Walmart, provides investigators with a crucial lead that they hope will help them identify and locate the perpetrator in this high-profile kidnapping case involving the mother of a prominent TV personality.
