FBI Unveils Suspect Description and Doubles Reward in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance as Search Intensifies
TUCSON, Ariz. – The FBI has released the first detailed description of a suspect in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as the search entered its 12th day.
The suspect is described as a man approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. He was captured on video wearing a distinctive black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, according to the FBI.[1]
In a major escalation, the agency has doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location or the arrest and conviction of those involved.[1][2]
Intensified Searches and New Leads
Pima County Sheriff’s Department forensic teams were observed combing through brush along a road near Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson early Thursday morning.[1] The FBI also conducted an extensive search along multiple roadways in the region on Wednesday.[1]
Authorities have intensified analysis of doorbell camera footage, which provided the key image of the suspect.[3] Experts indicate the FBI is investigating sales data for the specific backpack model, starting with local retailers in the Tucson area to trace potential purchases.[3]
Ransom Demands and Arrests
A California man, identified as Derrick Callelai, made an initial appearance in Tucson federal court on Thursday. He faces charges including using telecommunications to demand ransom from the Guthrie family.[2] The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced the development amid ongoing tips flooding in.[2]
Separately, TMZ founder Harvey Levin revealed on Fox News that his organization received a third letter claiming knowledge of the alleged kidnapper’s identity, followed by a frustrated follow-up message Thursday stating, “I am not being taken seriously.”[1]
Family Vigil and Public Response
A growing vigil has formed outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, with Savannah Guthrie sharing emotional video clips and a family photo of her mother on social media.[3] The community and national media continue to rally support as the 12-day search persists without major breakthroughs in locating the elderly woman, listed in critical condition in updates.[3]
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home, prompting a massive multi-agency response. The FBI’s release of the suspect’s description marks a pivotal moment, urging the public to scrutinize the backpack as a key identifier.[1][3]
Investigation Background
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence. Initial reports detailed a tent erected over the entrance to Guthrie’s house as authorities processed the scene.[2] Doorstep camera footage emerged as crucial evidence, leading to today’s suspect reveal.[3]
Gloves were discovered along a nearby road, adding to the physical evidence being forensically examined.[1] The backpack, a common hiking item sold at retailers like Walmart, is now under intense scrutiny for purchase patterns.[3]
“This is the first time the FBI has released a description of the suspect,” noted CBS News New York reporter Dick Brennan, highlighting the breakthrough from enhanced video analysis.[3]
Calls for Public Assistance
The FBI is appealing directly to the public: Anyone with information on the suspect, the backpack, or Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities. The increased reward underscores the urgency and commitment to resolving the case swiftly.[1][2]
As searches continue amid new leads like the ransom-related arrest and anonymous tips, hope persists for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. The investigation remains active, with forensic teams and analysts working around the clock in the rugged Catalina Foothills terrain.
This story is developing. Updates will follow as new information emerges from official sources.