FBI Identifies Suspect in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case

The FBI has released the first physical description of the man believed to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie. Nancy, 84, disappeared in the middle of the night from her Tucson, Arizona home and was last seen two weeks ago. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.

Analyzing footage from a doorbell camera outside her home, the FBI believes a male suspect, standing between 5'9 (175cm) and 5'10 tall with an average build, is responsible for her abduction. This marks the first time the man captured in the video has been officially identified as a suspect, which has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally.

In its latest statement, the FBI announced that they identified key details after a forensic analysis, including a distinctive backpack worn by the suspect—identified as a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. A pair of black gloves have also been found during the search for Guthrie, as reported by CBS.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family members dropped her off at home. Her absence was only noted by members of her church the following day, prompting them to alert her family. Officials have expressed concern for her health, particularly without her medications.

Since the release of footage from the doorbell camera, the FBI has received over 13,000 tips regarding the case, including 4,000 within 24 hours after the video was shared. In response, the agency has now doubled the reward for information leading to her discovery, offering $100,000.

Earlier this week, a man was detained in connection to Guthrie's disappearance, but he has since been released, claiming he did not know who Nancy Guthrie was. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made public appeals on social media to urge her abductors to come forward, indicating their willingness to pay for her return.