Former FBI Agent Says Guthrie Suspect Is Amateur Criminal

Savannah Guthrie's latest message tailored to get suspect to turn himself in, expert says.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A former FBI agent who worked in behavioral analysis told Fox News Digital that Savannah Guthrie's latest Instagram video was directed towards a suspect who could be an amateur criminal feeling the heat of a now massive investigation into the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Why it matters

The case highlights the FBI's tactics in trying to get suspects to turn themselves in, especially when dealing with an amateur criminal who may have gotten in over their head. The intense media coverage and law enforcement pressure could be pushing the suspect to make a mistake.

The details

Jonny Grusing, a former FBI agent who worked in the Denver Division for 25 years, said the FBI is likely behind Savannah Guthrie's messaging. Since Nancy went missing, four videos have been posted to her Instagram, with the latest one appearing to be a direct appeal to the suspect. Grusing believes the suspect is an amateur criminal who didn't plan for the level of scrutiny and investigation that has followed Nancy's disappearance.

  • On January 31, 2026, Nancy Guthrie was last seen when her family dropped her off at home between 9:30-9:45 p.m.
  • At 9:50 p.m. on January 31, the garage door closed, according to authorities.
  • On February 1, 2026, the doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., motion was detected by a security camera at 2:12 a.m., and Nancy's pacemaker disconnected from her phone app at 2:28 a.m.
  • On February 1, at 11:56 a.m., Nancy's family checked on her after she missed a weekly church livestream gathering, and 911 was called at 12:03 p.m.

The players

Jonny Grusing

A former FBI agent who worked in the Denver Division for 25 years, investigating violent crimes, missing persons, serial killers, and more. He coordinated the behavior analysis unit for the division for 13 of those years.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing on January 31, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter, who has been posting messages on Instagram appealing to the suspect to turn himself in.

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What they’re saying

“It's never too late. You are not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“I think he got in way over his head with whatever happened with Nancy, and they're hoping that he is panicking enough since his family and friends haven't turned him in. They're appealing to him directly, like, 'look, guy, this is not going away, you just need to summon up the courage in any humanity you have left and do it.”

— Jonny Grusing, Former FBI Agent (Fox News Digital)

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 FBI's tactics in dealing with amateur criminals who may have gotten in over their heads, as well as the intense media scrutiny and law enforcement pressure that can push suspects to make mistakes and turn themselves in.