FBI Investigating 'New Message' in Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance

Authorities are working to determine whether the message, sent to a CNN affiliate in Tucson, is authentic.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The FBI and Arizona's Pima County Sheriff's Department are investigating a 'new message' from the person or people allegedly responsible for the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie. The message was sent to a CNN affiliate in Tucson, and authorities are working to verify its authenticity. Guthrie's family has posted videos on Instagram addressing her captors and offering to listen to them.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to a resolution. The investigation into this new message is a critical development as authorities continue to search for clues about Guthrie's whereabouts and the identity of her alleged captors.

The details

The message comes on the sixth day of the investigators' search for Nancy Guthrie. The FBI's Phoenix office announced that investigators are working to determine whether or not the message is authentic. The FBI had previously arrested a Los Angeles man for trying to get Guthrie's family to send him cryptocurrency as a ransom, but he was not the actual captor. Guthrie's family has posted videos on Instagram addressing her captors and offering to listen to them.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 31, when her son-in-law dropped her off after dinner.
  • Later that night, Nancy's doorbell camera was disconnected and her pacemaker app was disconnected from her phone.
  • On Thursday, investigators confirmed that blood found outside the front door belonged to Nancy.
  • The first message, obtained by TMZ, indicated an initial deadline of Thursday.
  • There is now reportedly a second deadline on Monday.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who has been missing since January 31, 2026. She is the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

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

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency in Tucson, Arizona that is assisting the FBI in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Los Angeles man arrested for trying to get Guthrie's family to send him cryptocurrency as a ransom out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in verifying the authenticity of messages from alleged captors, as well as the emotional toll on families of missing persons. The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.