New Theory Emerges in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Crime reporter cites "inside source" claiming botched burglary, not kidnapping

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:15pm

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A decorated crime reporter has reported that investigators now believe the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was the result of a botched burglary and not an intended kidnapping. This contradicts the public statements of authorities, who have maintained that Guthrie was kidnapped intentionally. The reporter cited an "inside source" for the new information, which she said is now "reportable."

Why it matters

The new theory, if true, would significantly change the direction of the investigation and the public's understanding of the case. It could also raise questions about the initial handling of the case by authorities and the reliability of their public statements.

The details

According to the report from CBS 5 crime correspondent Briana Whitney, investigators now believe Guthrie's disappearance was the result of a burglary gone wrong, based on evidence, surveillance video, and input from multiple experts. Whitney said DNA evidence is currently being tested from a Range Rover that was seen being towed away on Friday. Authorities have not confirmed this new theory, with the Pima County Sheriff stating the report "did not come from us" and that they will "let the evidence take us to motive." However, the FBI appeared to push back on Whitney's report, telling Fox News they have "no clue where that came from."

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31.
  • In the past week, photos have emerged of a masked, armed suspect seemingly tampering with Guthrie's door camera, and a glove matching the suspect's was found and is being DNA tested.
  • On Friday, a vehicle was stopped by law enforcement and the driver was reportedly en route to a house that was raided by a SWAT team and the FBI that same night. DNA from that vehicle is also being tested.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

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

Briana Whitney

A CBS 5 crime correspondent who is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy-winning journalist.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has reiterated the authorities' stance that Guthrie was kidnapped intentionally.

Matt Finn

A Fox News reporter who spoke with the FBI and Sheriff Nanos about the new theory.

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What they’re saying

“We can now report investigators now believe this was a burglary gone wrong.”

— Briana Whitney, CBS 5 crime correspondent

“We will let the evidence take us to motive.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff

“The report did not come from us.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff

“We have no clue where that came from.”

— FBI

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of allowing the evidence to guide the investigation, rather than relying on initial public statements from authorities. The new theory, if true, could significantly change the public's understanding of the case and raise questions about the initial handling of the investigation.