FBI Unveils Suspect Description and Doubles Reward to $100,000 in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
Suspect Profile Emerges from Forensic Analysis
The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 tall, with an average build. In the Nest doorbell camera video recorded in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026, he was seen wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. The FBI provided reference photos of a similar backpack to aid public recognition. This description stems from a forensic analysis of the footage, marking the first time authorities have officially labeled the individual as a suspect.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home in the Catalina Foothills area. The case, now in its 12th day as of February 13, has captivated the nation due to its high-profile connections and mysterious circumstances.
Reward Boost and Tip Surge
The FBI announced it has increased its reward from $50,000 to $100,000 for tips that lead to Nancy Guthrie’s location and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Over 13,000 tips have flooded in since her disappearance, reflecting intense public interest and investigative momentum.
“This marks the first time in the case that officials have described the person seen in the security video as a suspect.”
— FBI statement, as reported across multiple outlets.
Investigation Timeline and Key Developments
The doorbell footage was not publicly released until February 11, 10 days after Guthrie’s presumed abduction. Authorities recovered the images from “residual data located in backend systems.” The video shows a masked man on Guthrie’s front porch around the time she is believed to have been taken.
Recent leads include:
- A person of interest detained after a traffic stop in Rio Rico, Arizona—about 12 miles from the Mexican border—on February 11. He was released the next day, maintaining his innocence.
- Forensic teams from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department searching brush off a road near Guthrie’s home on February 13 morning.
- An extensive FBI search along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills on February 12.
- Investigation into ransom demands requesting payment in bitcoin.
- A new claim received by TMZ founder Harvey Levin, where an emailer purportedly knows the kidnapper’s identity but feels ignored by authorities.
Family and Community Response
Savannah Guthrie has remained largely private but has publicly pleaded for help in finding her mother. The case has drawn widespread media attention, with reporters like Fox News’ Matt Finn on the ground in Tucson providing live updates. Local outlets such as Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5) have confirmed details of the backpack and suspect description through direct FBI briefings.
Broader Context and Public Appeal
The disappearance has prompted heightened security measures in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Authorities emphasize that the public holds the key, urging anyone with information on the suspect, backpack, or Guthrie’s whereabouts to come forward. The Ozark Trail backpack, a common item sold at retailers like Walmart, could be a pivotal identifier.
“The new details were based on a ‘forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage,’ the FBI said,” according to CBS News. This forensic enhancement has transformed grainy residual data into actionable intelligence.
As searches continue, the doubled reward underscores the urgency. Tips can be submitted directly to the FBI or local authorities. Nancy Guthrie, described by family as vibrant and independent at 84, was last confirmed safe inside her home before the suspect’s appearance.
Next Steps in the Hunt
With over 13,000 tips processed, investigators are sifting through leads amid false alarms and hoaxes. The bitcoin ransom angle suggests a possible motive, though no demands have been authenticated publicly. Border proximity has fueled speculation, but officials caution against unfounded theories.
The FBI’s social media posts, including the backpack images, have amplified the appeal nationwide. Community vigils and online campaigns bear hashtags like #FindNancyGuthrie, keeping pressure on potential witnesses.
This evolving story highlights the power of technology—doorbell cams and forensics—in modern missing persons cases. As Tucson braces for more developments, hope persists that the suspect description will yield the break needed to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.
This article will be updated as new information emerges. For tips, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.