FBI Increases Reward to $100,000 in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

Authorities release new details about suspect's appearance and backpack as search continues in Tucson, Arizona

Feb. 12, 2026 at 10:15pm

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The FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1. Authorities have released a new description of the suspect based on forensic evidence, stating he is approximately 5'9" to 5'10" tall with an average build and was wearing a black 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. Investigators have recovered several items of evidence, including gloves, and have received over 18,000 tips since the investigation began.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has garnered national attention. Authorities believe the incident was targeted, raising concerns about public safety in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, which has seen a decline in property crime rates in recent years. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in sifting through thousands of tips to find critical leads.

The details

In three separate incidents since July, police say 45-year-old San Francisco resident Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo autonomous vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

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.