Ex-FBI Agents Suggest Elder Abuse in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Retired agents say all of Guthrie's contacts should be investigated as investigation enters sixth week.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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As the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, enters its sixth week, two retired FBI agents have discussed the possibility of elder abuse being a factor. Former agents Maureen O'Connell and Jim Clemente told NewsNation's Brian Entin that anyone who had even a 'tangential relationship' to Nancy, including healthcare workers, service providers, and drivers, should be thoroughly investigated.

Why it matters

The possibility of elder abuse raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of older adults and the need for thorough investigations into such cases. Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has garnered national attention, and the insights from experienced former FBI agents could help guide the ongoing probe.

The details

O'Connell and Clemente emphasized that everyone with any connection to Nancy, including healthcare workers, service providers, and drivers, should be investigated. Clemente stated, 'Because that could have been the nexus that allowed them to understand that she was living alone and that she was vulnerable.' The investigation continues with no suspects named, and authorities have released doorbell camera footage of a masked suspect and a description of the potential abductor.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, when police believe she was abducted from her home.
  • The investigation into her disappearance has entered its sixth week.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing on January 31 from her home, and is the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie.

Maureen O'Connell

A retired FBI special agent who discussed the possibility of elder abuse in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case.

Jim Clemente

A retired FBI special agent who discussed the possibility of elder abuse in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case.

Brian Entin

A NewsNation correspondent who spoke with the former FBI agents about the Nancy Guthrie case.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely. I think every single person who had even a tangential relationship to Nancy Guthrie. Anybody who worked on the house, on the yard, on the pool. Anybody who worked in the house repairing things, delivering things, even driving her in an Uber or a Lyft, all of those people should be looked at.”

— Jim Clemente, Retired FBI Special Agent (NewsNation)

“I also think that from what we know about Nancy, she was just such a nice and kind and wonderful woman. And I've got a neighbor here that I just love like a second mom. She, too, is 84. And ever since this whole thing kicked off, you know, I'm on her like white on rice. I just want her to be 10 times more careful about everything.”

— Maureen O'Connell, Retired FBI Special Agent (NewsNation)

What’s next

The investigation continues with no suspects named, and authorities are still searching for clues and information about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of older adults and the need for thorough investigations into potential elder abuse cases. The insights from experienced former FBI agents underscore the importance of examining all possible connections and contacts in such disappearance cases.