Ex-FBI Agent Rejects 'Robbery Gone Wrong' Theory in Nancy Guthrie Case

The mom of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie has been missing since January 31.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:31am

A former FBI agent has rejected the theory that the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was a robbery gone wrong. The agent suggests the abduction was likely committed by someone who knew Guthrie or had access to her home, rather than a random burglary. Authorities remain divided on the motive, with some considering personal grievance or revenge as possible reasons behind the kidnapping.

Why it matters

The case has garnered national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's high-profile status, and the rejection of the 'robbery gone wrong' theory by a former FBI agent could significantly impact the investigation's direction and public perception of the incident.

The details

Former FBI agent Greg Rogers said he has 'never thought this was a robbery gone wrong,' explaining that if it was intended to be a robbery, there were 'too many opportunities to have hit the house when nobody was home.' Rogers believes the suspect likely knew Nancy Guthrie and may have had access to information about her security systems and schedule through a job related to home maintenance, healthcare, or yard work.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, when police believe she was abducted from her home.
  • On February 15, a true crime correspondent reported that investigators believe the incident was a 'burglary gone wrong.'

The players

Greg Rogers

A former FBI special agent who has rejected the theory that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance was a robbery gone wrong.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the Today show, whose mother Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who believes the case to be a 'kidnapping,' with the motivation being either for money or revenge.

Jonny Grusing

Another former FBI agent who suggested the suspect could have had a 'personal grievance' against Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“I have never thought this was a robbery gone wrong”

— Greg Rogers, Former FBI agent

“Investigators believe that this was a burglary gone wrong”

— Briana Whitney, AZFamily true crime correspondent

“The motivation for it is where we get stuck, right? Is it for money? I mean, we had the one demand where they asked for money. But is it really for money, or is it for revenge for something?”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff

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 case highlights the complexities of kidnapping investigations, with experts and authorities divided on the motive and method. It underscores the need for thorough and impartial analysis to determine the true nature of the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice.