FBI Director Kash Patel Leaks Sensitive 'Stalker' Video in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

Investigators grapple with leaked footage, muddled DNA evidence, and a million-dollar reward as they search for the 84-year-old woman.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The FBI's search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, has entered its fourth week, with officials still lacking a clear theory for her disappearance. The case has taken a controversial turn with FBI Director Kash Patel's decision to prematurely leak sensitive doorbell footage of a suspected 'stalker' at Guthrie's home, which local investigators had wanted to keep confidential as they worked to identify the suspect. Meanwhile, the Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy's recovery, and federal prosecutors and FBI agents have been seen at the family's residence as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance case has garnered national attention, with the high-profile involvement of FBI Director Kash Patel and the Guthrie family's substantial reward offer. The leaking of sensitive evidence by Patel has raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation, while the lack of clear leads and the conflicting DNA evidence have left the case shrouded in uncertainty. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the FBI's handling of high-profile missing persons investigations.

The details

The FBI's search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, began on January 31 when the 84-year-old woman vanished from her secluded property in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, Arizona. Investigators believe she was taken from her home against her will, as she left without her mobile phone or vital medication. The case has since grown into a sprawling federal inquiry, with the release of Nest doorbell video from Guthrie's front door being a particularly contentious twist. On February 10, FBI Director Kash Patel posted a short clip and still images on his personal X account showing a masked, armed man approaching Guthrie's house and tampering with the camera. However, local and federal agents working the case were reportedly taken aback, as they believed at least one of the images Patel shared was from a different night altogether and may have depicted the same individual surveilling the property rather than carrying out the abduction. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has tried to dampen speculation, stating that there is 'no date or time stamp associated with these images' and that 'any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative'.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her property in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson.
  • On February 10, FBI Director Kash Patel posted a short clip and still images on his personal X account showing a masked, armed man approaching Guthrie's house and tampering with the camera.
  • On February 24, 24 days after Nancy went missing, her daughter Savannah Guthrie recorded an emotional video acknowledging that her mother 'may already be gone' and may 'have already gone home to the Lord that she loves'.
  • On February 27, Savannah Guthrie shared another appeal for information, including a clip from Today explaining how tipsters can contact the FBI and claim reward money without revealing their identity.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her secluded property in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, Arizona on January 31.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and a host on the Today show, who has been actively appealing for information about her mother's disappearance.

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director, who prematurely leaked sensitive doorbell footage of a suspected 'stalker' at Nancy Guthrie's home on his personal social media account.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has tried to dampen speculation around the leaked footage and has stated that the investigation will be guided by 'verifiable evidence and established facts'.

The Guthrie Family

They have offered a personal reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy's recovery, in coordination with law enforcement.

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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

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.