FBI Intensifies Search for Missing Arizona Woman

Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson home on February 1

Feb. 13, 2026 at 8:39am

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The FBI has intensified its investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1. Law enforcement has declared her home a crime scene and believes Guthrie was abducted, as her pacemaker app was disconnected and a doorbell camera was tampered with. The FBI has released surveillance footage and images in an effort to locate Guthrie, who requires daily medication, and has doubled the reward for information to $100,000.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention due to her connection to Savannah Guthrie, a prominent NBC News anchor. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating missing persons cases, especially when there are indications of foul play. The FBI's intensified efforts to locate Guthrie and identify a potential suspect underscore the urgency of the situation.

The details

On February 1, Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera was disconnected and data from her pacemaker app showed it had been turned off. Local police were called to her home after friends expressed concern that she had not attended church, and upon arrival, they realized she was missing. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos declared Guthrie's home a crime scene and said he believed she was abducted and did not leave willingly. In the following days, law enforcement investigated alleged ransom notes, found blood on Guthrie's porch, and searched the home of a man detained in connection with the case. The FBI has now released surveillance footage and images in an effort to locate Guthrie and has doubled the reward for information to $100,000.

  • On February 1, Guthrie's doorbell camera was disconnected and her pacemaker app was turned off in the early morning hours.
  • On February 2, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos declared Guthrie's home a crime scene and said he believed she was abducted.
  • On February 5, law enforcement confirmed that blood found on Guthrie's porch belonged to her.
  • On February 10, the FBI released video and still images from a camera outside Guthrie's home in an effort to aid the investigation.
  • On February 12, the FBI doubled the reward for information leading to Guthrie's location to $100,000.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1.

Savannah Guthrie

The NBC News anchor and host who is the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who declared Nancy Guthrie's home a crime scene and believes she was abducted.

Carlos Palazuelos

A local delivery driver who was detained in connection with Guthrie's disappearance but later released without charges.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie, NBC News Anchor (Instagram)

“The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5'9' - 5'10' tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack.”

— FBI (FBI Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carlos Palazuelos, the man detained in connection with Guthrie's disappearance, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in missing persons cases, especially when there are indications of foul play. The FBI's intensified efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie and identify a potential suspect underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for the public's assistance in providing any information that could aid the investigation.