Former FBI Official Skeptical About Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Chris Swecker questions whether the 84-year-old's case is actually a kidnapping.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 4:39am

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Chris Swecker, a former FBI assistant director, expressed skepticism about whether the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, is actually a kidnapping case. Swecker said on Fox News that investigators are still 'rounding out the investigation' and that he is 'very skeptical' it is a kidnapping.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention, with investigators searching for clues and receiving alleged ransom letters. Swecker's comments raise questions about the nature of the case and whether it may not be a kidnapping as initially believed.

The details

Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona. Investigators believe she was taken against her will from her home. Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week, with at least one letter making monetary demands and establishing deadlines.

  • Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31.
  • Investigators have been searching for Guthrie for more than a week since she was reported missing.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who is the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie.

Chris Swecker

A former FBI assistant director who expressed skepticism about whether Guthrie's disappearance is actually a kidnapping case.

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What they’re saying

“The question really is, and I'm very skeptical of this, is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody have her and is she really alive? We don't have the answers to that question right now.”

— Chris Swecker, Former FBI Assistant Director

What’s next

Investigators will continue searching for Guthrie and analyzing the alleged ransom letters to determine if the case is actually a kidnapping.

The takeaway

Swecker's skepticism about the nature of Guthrie's disappearance raises questions about the investigation and whether the case may not be a kidnapping as initially believed. This highlights the complexities of missing persons cases and the need for thorough investigations to uncover the truth.