Investigator Breaks Down Disappearance of "Today" Co-Host's Mother

Dallas private eye Jay Armes III analyzes the unusual case of Nancy Guthrie's abduction.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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As the search continues for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, CBS News Texas reporter Amelia Mugavero spoke with international private investigator Jay Armes III about the unusual factors in the case, how investigators may be approaching it, and what families can learn from the situation.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a high-profile personality's family member raises concerns about personal security and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving abduction cases without clear ransom demands or proof of life.

The details

Armes noted that elderly people are rarely abducted, but the lack of a legitimate ransom demand and the suspect spending 45 minutes inside the home suggest this may not have been a straightforward kidnapping. He said investigators are likely exploring whether this was another crime that went wrong, followed by an attempt to remove the victim. Armes also said the public profile of Savannah Guthrie could be a relevant factor, as abductions can sometimes be motivated by ideology to cause emotional harm.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since early February 2026.

The players

Jay Armes III

An international private investigator with nearly 40 years of experience in abductions, missing persons cases, security operations, homicides, and transnational crime.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the "Today" show, whose mother Nancy Guthrie has gone missing.

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What they’re saying

“At first, I thought it might involve an elderly woman wandering or suffering a medical emergency. But once the details emerged — and once I learned who her daughter is — it became clear, this is not a typical case. Elderly people are frequently victimized, but they are rarely abducted.”

— Jay Armes III, International Private Investigator (CBS News)

“The lack of legitimate communication. In most abductions, there's a clear ransom demand. That's often the best-case scenario because it creates motivation to keep the victim alive.”

— Jay Armes III, International Private Investigator (CBS News)

“Spending 45 minutes inside a home is unheard of. Every second during a crime feels like a lifetime. That level of comfort tells me the person either knew the victim, knew the family, or had inside information — and was confident no one was coming.”

— Jay Armes III, International Private Investigator (CBS News)

What’s next

The FBI is actively investigating the case, working on multiple angles including surveillance footage, cell phone data, license-plate readers, and neighborhood canvassing. Investigators are running out of time, as the chances of a safe recovery drop significantly if a victim is not located within 72 hours.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of personal security and vigilance, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in solving abduction cases without clear ransom demands or proof of life. Families should limit personal information, be cautious of unsolicited calls, have a safety plan, and stay aware of their surroundings.