FBI Probes New DNA, Ransom Demand in Nancy Guthrie Case

Authorities widen search, review crypto-based ransom email

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Federal agents are expanding the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, who went missing, by looping in Mexican authorities. Investigators are also reviewing a fresh ransom demand made via email that seeks a similar amount to the earlier $6 million request, this time using a different cryptocurrency. Authorities have found no leads from gun shops or retailers, but DNA evidence from the suspect may have been discovered in Guthrie's home.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, has garnered national attention. The FBI's involvement and the new ransom demand suggest the case remains an active and complex investigation, with concerns that Guthrie may have been taken across the border to Mexico.

The details

Law enforcement sources say the FBI has alerted Mexico's federal and regional forces amid concern that Guthrie may have been moved across the border, though checks of Border Patrol cameras have turned up nothing so far. Authorities don't believe Guthrie crossed the southern border, and the coordination with Mexican authorities is standard practice. Investigators have received a new, detailed ransom email seeking an amount similar to the earlier $6 million demand, this time using a different cryptocurrency and account number. The email also "graphically describes the consequences if the ransom isn't paid." Agents have so far found no leads from gun shops or retailers that might have sold the gun holster and clothing visible on a suspect observed in footage from Guthrie's home. A glove found near Guthrie's home was tested for DNA but failed to turn up a match in an FBI database, though advanced DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy could take weeks or months. However, the Pima County Sheriff said Wednesday that DNA from the suspect may have been found in Guthrie's home.

  • The FBI has been investigating the case since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
  • Authorities received a new ransom email on February 19, 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old resident of Tucson, Arizona, who went missing and is the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who stated that authorities don't believe Guthrie crossed the southern border to Mexico.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show, who is the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

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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.