Veteran Detective Believes Suspect in Guthrie Disappearance Is 'Experienced' Shooter

Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over a month in Tucson, Arizona.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A veteran homicide detective said the potential suspect seen in surveillance footage released by law enforcement in the Nancy Guthrie case is likely 'experienced' in shooting, based on the way the person was carrying a firearm in a holster. Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over a month after disappearing from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Why it matters

Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has prompted a multiagency search involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Authorities believe she was the victim of a targeted kidnapping, and alleged ransom notes were sent to news outlets after she went missing. Her family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery.

The details

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department released surveillance footage showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. Veteran homicide detective Dale Lundberg said the person's use of a holster suggests they are 'experienced' with firearms, unlike most criminals who simply tuck guns into their waistbands. Lundberg said the holster's positioning indicates the person likely has other items on their body that would interfere with a side holster.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026.
  • Surveillance footage of the potential suspect was released by authorities in February 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for over a month.

Dale Lundberg

A veteran homicide detective who provided analysis of the surveillance footage in the case.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who said there were clues at the crime scene indicating Guthrie 'did not leave on her own.'

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona who vowed that law enforcement will 'go anywhere, do anything, and persevere always to find' Nancy Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The 'Today' show co-anchor and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who expressed hope that her mother may have 'already gone home to the Lord.'

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What they’re saying

“The United States Attorney's Office, together with the FBI and every other law enforcement agency involved in finding Nancy, will go anywhere, do anything, and persevere always to find her.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona (Newsweek)

“We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone. She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves and is dancing in heaven with her mom and her dad, and with her beloved brother Pierce, and with our daddy. And if this is what is to be, then we will accept it. But we need to know where she is, we need her to come home.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Additionally, 88-CRIME is offering a reward of $102,500 for the arrest of the person or persons involved in the disappearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving high-profile missing persons cases, especially when the victim is an elderly individual who requires daily medication. The surveillance footage and detective's analysis provide clues, but the public's help is still crucial in locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing those responsible to justice.