Tucson Police Conduct New Search in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case

Internet rumors swirl around local man Lucas Daley, but authorities say he is not a suspect

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:56am

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The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie was reportedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home last month, sparking widespread media attention and online theories. Authorities have cleared local resident Lucas Daley as a suspect, despite online speculation fueled by doorbell footage analysis and his proximity to the crime scene. A fresh search is planned for this Sunday in rural areas near Tucson, as the case enters its third week with no breakthroughs.

Why it matters

The Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case has garnered national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's high-profile status, and the lack of progress has led to rampant online speculation and rumors. While authorities have dismissed Lucas Daley as a suspect, the case highlights the challenges of separating fact from fiction in high-profile missing persons cases, especially when amplified by social media.

The details

Police executed two search warrants on February 13 at a home just two miles away from Nancy Guthrie's residence, detaining Lucas Daley, 37, and his 77-year-old mother briefly before releasing them without charges. Daley's attorney has stated that he has no connection to the case and no information about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Authorities have also cleared the Guthrie family as 'victims plain and simple,' calling for community compassion.

  • Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson residence around early February 2026.
  • On February 13, 2026, police executed search warrants and briefly detained Lucas Daley and his mother.
  • A fresh search is planned for Sunday, February 22, 2026, in rural areas near Tucson.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was reportedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Lucas Daley

A 37-year-old local resident who was briefly detained by police in connection with the case, but has been cleared as a suspect.

Chris Scileppi

Lucas Daley's attorney, who has issued a statement denying any connection between Daley and the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping.

Mark Napier

The Pima County Sheriff, who has called for community compassion and stated that the Guthrie family are 'victims plain and simple.'

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Daley has no link whatsoever to Nancy Guthrie and has no information related to her kidnapping.”

— Chris Scileppi, Lucas Daley's attorney (mebaneenterprise.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Sunday's search targets rural areas near Tucson, per unconfirmed leaks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of separating fact from fiction in high-profile missing persons cases, especially when amplified by social media. While authorities have dismissed Lucas Daley as a suspect, the ongoing search and lack of progress have led to rampant online speculation, underscoring the need for restraint and compassion from the public.