Ex-FBI Agent Compares Police Messaging in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance to Idaho Murders

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A former FBI agent has compared the messaging from law enforcement in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, to that of police in the wake of the slayings of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Jennifer Coffindaffer said the Pima County Sheriff initially stated that Guthrie was reported missing after she did not show up at church, but later clarified that Guthrie typically gathered with friends to watch a church service via livestream, and did not show up for that. Coffindaffer said the messaging has been "confusing" and reminds her of the early messaging in the Idaho murders case, where police revealed little about their investigation as they closed in on a suspect.

Why it matters

The comparison to the Idaho murders case highlights the importance of clear and transparent communication from law enforcement during high-profile criminal investigations. Conflicting or confusing messages can add to public anxiety and undermine trust in the authorities. The Guthrie case also raises questions about the initial reporting of her disappearance and the accuracy of information being provided to the public.

The details

Authorities had said Guthrie was reported missing after she did not show up to church on the morning of February 1. However, a family source told Fox News that Guthrie and a group of friends typically gathered at one of their homes to watch a New York-based church service via livestream, and Guthrie had been expected at a friend's home for that on February 1. When she didn't show up, friends became concerned and contacted her daughter Annie Guthrie. A person was detained for questioning on Tuesday, hours after the FBI released surveillance videos of a masked person appearing to be wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie's front door the night she vanished from her Arizona home.

• On February 1, Guthrie was reported missing after she did not show up at a friend's home to watch a church service via livestream.
• On Tuesday, a person was detained for questioning, hours after the FBI released surveillance videos from the night Guthrie disappeared.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is ongoing, with a person of interest detained for questioning. Authorities have not yet provided updates on the status of the case or any potential suspects.