Ex-FBI Agent Connects Arizona Arrests to Guthrie Abduction

Retired agent Jennifer Coffindaffer believes recent teen arrests may be linked to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:03pm

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Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer believes a recent arrest of two teenagers in Arizona could be connected to the case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. On January 31, just hours before Nancy, the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, was last seen outside her home in Arizona, two teenage boys from California were arrested after allegedly duct-taping and assaulting two adults at their home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Coffindaffer has shared what she believes is new evidence to support her theory linking the two cases.

Why it matters

The potential connection between the Guthrie abduction and the Arizona arrests could provide crucial leads in the high-profile missing persons case that has captivated national attention. Coffindaffer's insights as a former FBI agent also lend credibility to the theory, which could help advance the investigation.

The details

According to Fox 10, the two teenage boys from California were arrested on January 31 in Scottsdale, Arizona, after allegedly dressing as delivery drivers and duct-taping and assaulting two adults at their home. Police believe the boys were extorted to rob the homeowners. Coffindaffer believes this incident could be linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's mother, which occurred just hours later on the same day in the same state.

  • On January 31, two teenage boys from California were arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for allegedly duct-taping and assaulting two adults.
  • Also on January 31, Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, was last seen outside her home in Arizona.

The players

Jennifer Coffindaffer

A retired FBI agent who believes the recent Arizona arrests may be connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared from her Arizona home on January 31.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of Today, whose mother Nancy Guthrie disappeared on January 31.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.