Authorities Seek Multiple Persons of Interest in Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Suspected Kidnapping

FBI Director says they've made 'substantial progress' in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel said they are seeking multiple persons of interest in the ongoing disappearance of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie. Patel told Fox News' Sean Hannity that they've made 'substantial progress' over the last two days, including the release of surveillance footage and stills of a person outside of the 84-year-old's Tucson home on the night she vanished. A man named Carlos was briefly detained but later released, with his mother-in-law saying he was simply delivering food at the time. Authorities are also investigating two ransom notes that were reportedly sent to local news outlets.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of high-profile TV personality Savannah Guthrie, has garnered significant national attention and raises concerns about the safety of elderly individuals living alone. The investigation into potential suspects and ransom demands adds an additional layer of complexity to the case.

The details

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, authorities are seeking multiple persons of interest in the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Surveillance footage and stills were released showing a person outside of Guthrie's Tucson home on the night she vanished on January 31. A man named Carlos was briefly detained but later released, with his mother-in-law stating he was simply delivering food at the time. Authorities are also looking into two ransom notes that were reportedly sent to local news outlets, one of which demanded millions in Bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie's return.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on January 31.
  • Alarms were raised the following morning, February 1, when Guthrie failed to arrive at a friend's home to watch virtual church services.
  • On February 11, the FBI released surveillance footage and stills of a person outside of Guthrie's home around the time she vanished.
  • Also on February 11, a man named Carlos was briefly detained but later released, with his mother-in-law stating he was simply delivering food at the time.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI Director who stated they are seeking multiple persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

Host of the 'Today' show and the daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

84-year-old woman who went missing from her Tucson home on January 31.

Carlos

A man who was briefly detained but later released, with his mother-in-law stating he was simply delivering food at the time.

Chris Nanos

Pima County Sheriff who stated a medical helicopter that left the Rio Rico area on Tuesday night had nothing to do with the case.

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What they’re saying

“As you know, with any investigation, you're a person of interest until you're either eliminated or you're actually found to be the culprit or the culprits involved, and that's the stage we're at right now.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Fox News)

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

— Carlos (Reporters)

“They had somebody give a tip that the lady was in my house. I told them you can go in and search my house; there is nobody there. I have nothing to hide.”

— Carlos' mother-in-law (KOLD)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in high-profile missing persons investigations, as they must balance protecting the integrity of the probe while also being transparent with the public. The involvement of ransom demands adds an additional layer of complexity that authorities will need to navigate carefully.