Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance Echoes 2003 Walworth County Abduction

The search for the "Today" host's mother is nearing a week as authorities investigate similarities to a previous kidnapping case.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her Arizona home on Sunday has eerie similarities to the 2003 abduction of 88-year-old Heddy Braun from her East Troy, Wisconsin home. Both women were taken in the middle of the night, and their phone lines were cut. Authorities are drawing parallels between the two cases as they continue searching for Guthrie.

Why it matters

The parallels between the Guthrie and Braun cases have raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving these types of abductions, especially when time is of the essence. The Braun case ultimately led to the arrest of a family friend, highlighting the complex dynamics that can be involved in such crimes.

The details

In 2003, Heddy Braun was abducted from her Walworth County home and held captive for five days before being found shackled to a mattress in a cold storage unit. The abductor, Reinier Ravesteijn, a 45-year-old family friend, sent a ransom note demanding $3 million from the Braun family's gravel business. Authorities were able to locate Braun alive, but she died within a couple of years of the incident. The Guthrie case is still unfolding, but police are drawing parallels to the Braun abduction in their investigation.

  • On February 7, 2003, 88-year-old Heddy Braun was abducted from her East Troy, Wisconsin home.
  • On February 5, 2026, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Arizona home.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Arizona home on February 5, 2026.

Heddy Braun

The 88-year-old woman who was abducted from her East Troy, Wisconsin home in 2003, and later found shackled to a mattress in a cold storage unit.

Reinier Ravesteijn

The 45-year-old family friend who abducted Heddy Braun in 2003 and sent a ransom note demanding $3 million from the Braun family's gravel business.

David Graves

The former Walworth County Sheriff who investigated the 2003 abduction of Heddy Braun.

Savannah Guthrie

The "Today" host whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home on February 5, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone is looking for you, mommy.”

— Savannah Guthrie, "Today" host (Social media)

“Time was kind of of the essence because it was below zero when this happened, and if he was holding her somewhere, you know, we were concerned about her safety.”

— David Graves, Former Walworth County Sheriff (WISN 12 News)

“I didn't think I was going to die. I just prayed, and it was answered. That's all. I was never alone.”

— Heddy Braun (WISN 12 News)

“It's the best feeling I've ever had was to tell them we got her back.”

— David Graves, Former Walworth County Sheriff (WISN 12 News)

“Don't give up hope and stay strong.”

— David Graves, Former Walworth County Sheriff (WISN 12 News)

What’s next

The judge in the Reinier Ravesteijn case will decide on Tuesday whether to grant him parole.

The takeaway

The Guthrie and Braun cases highlight the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving abductions of elderly individuals, especially when time is of the essence. These incidents underscore the importance of community vigilance, effective communication, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of justice and the safe return of missing persons.