FBI Widens Search in Arizona Desert for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie

Chilling surveillance footage of a masked figure on Guthrie's porch fuels national attention but no breakthrough yet.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The FBI has widened its search across the foothills north of Tucson, Arizona, after releasing a man detained near the Mexican border in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Authorities have released 44 seconds of surveillance footage showing a masked, armed figure approaching Guthrie's porch around the time she vanished on February 1. The family has issued multiple video pleas and said they are prepared to hear ransom demands.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a beloved 84-year-old community member, has gripped the nation and sparked an intensive FBI-led search. The release of the chilling surveillance footage has further heightened public interest and concern, underscoring the urgency to find Guthrie and bring closure to her family.

The details

According to authorities, Guthrie was last seen late on January 31 after being driven home by her son-in-law. Her front-door camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on February 1. A man detained during a traffic stop near the border was questioned and released, claiming he had no knowledge of the case. FBI agents and Pima County deputies have been searching roadways and desert areas near Guthrie's home, and a 'court-authorized search' was conducted overnight in Rio Rico, where the detained man had been delivering food, according to his relatives.

  • Guthrie was last seen late on January 31.
  • Her front-door camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on February 1.
  • The FBI has been searching for 12 days since Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1.

Carlos

A man detained near the Mexican border in connection with Guthrie's disappearance, who claimed to have no knowledge of the case.

Pima County deputies

Local law enforcement assisting the FBI in the search for Guthrie.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency leading the investigation and search for the missing 84-year-old woman.

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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.