FBI Slow to Release Surveillance Footage in Guthrie Missing Person Case

Criminal defense attorney questions 10-day delay in making video public

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The FBI took 10 days to release surveillance footage from the home of Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona residence on January 31. Criminal defense attorney Steve Greenberg called the delay "pretty shocking" and said it was complicated because the Guthrie family did not have access to the Nest camera footage under their subscription. Authorities have labeled the individual in the video a "subject" rather than a suspect, which Greenberg said is likely to avoid triggering certain legal rights.

Why it matters

The slow release of the surveillance footage has raised questions about the FBI's handling of the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. As the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, the case has garnered national attention, heightening the scrutiny around the investigative process.

The details

Police said Nancy Guthrie was last seen inside her home on January 31 and was reported missing the next day when she did not show up for church. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie's front porch matched her own, but investigators said they have no proof of life and are hoping she is "still out there." Savannah Guthrie has expressed belief that her mother is still alive.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen inside her home on January 31, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026 when she did not show up for church.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

A woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the "Today" show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter, who believes her mother is still alive.

Steve Greenberg

A criminal defense attorney who questioned the FBI's 10-day delay in releasing surveillance footage from Nancy Guthrie's home.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who said DNA tests showed blood on Nancy Guthrie's front porch matched her own.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's pretty shocking that it took this long for them to come up with this video.”

— Steve Greenberg, Criminal defense attorney (The National News Desk)

“They don't want to call him a suspect, because as soon as you label someone a suspect, then certain rights are going to kick in.”

— Steve Greenberg, Criminal defense attorney (The National News Desk)

“We have no proof of life but we're hoping she's 'still out there'.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the individual seen in the surveillance footage to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the FBI's handling of high-profile missing person investigations, particularly around the timely release of key evidence like surveillance footage. It also raises questions about the legal strategy of labeling someone a "subject" rather than a "suspect" to potentially avoid certain rights and protections.