Nancy Guthrie Missing Update: FBI Arrests Fake Ransom Suspect

Latest on search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, continues to intensify as federal and local authorities confirm new developments involving a fraudulent ransom demand, expanded family cooperation, and renewed public appeals.

Officials stress that despite disturbing elements, they are still operating under the belief that Nancy Guthrie is alive.

FBI confirms arrest in “imposter” ransom case

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed it is now jointly investigating the case alongside the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Federal officials revealed that an arrest has been made in connection with a fake or “imposter” ransom demand, in which an individual falsely claimed to have information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. Authorities say the suspect attempted to exploit the high-profile case but had no actual connection to the disappearance.

Investigators emphasized that the arrest does not confirm a legitimate kidnapping-for-ransom scenario and urged the public to be cautious about unverified claims circulating online.

“This arrest removes a distraction,” one official said. “But it does not change our core mission — finding Nancy.”

Ransom-related communications still under review

According to law enforcement, multiple communications referencing ransom or inside knowledge have been received since Nancy Guthrie vanished. Each is being carefully vetted by FBI analysts and digital forensics teams.

Authorities reiterated:

• No verified ransom note has been confirmed

• No ransom has been paid

• No suspect tied to the disappearance itself has been publicly identified

Officials say such false leads are common in widely publicized cases and can significantly complicate investigations.

New details about family involvement

Recent updates confirm that Nancy Guthrie’s children, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, are working closely with investigators. Family members have assisted law enforcement by:

• Providing timelines of recent contact

• Sharing medical and health details

• Reviewing phone records and personal communications

• Helping identify what was out of place inside the home

Sources close to the investigation say the family remains unified and in constant communication with detectives.

Savannah Guthrie has remained in Arizona and continues to stay off the air from NBC’s Today. In a brief family statement shared through the show, she thanked authorities and asked the public for continued prayers and restraint.

Sheriff says hope remains

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are still holding onto the belief that Nancy Guthrie is alive.

“We have nothing that tells us she’s not,” Nanos said in a recent interview. “Our working belief is that she’s here, she’s present, and we want to rescue her.”

He added that investigators would not be devoting extensive resources to the case if they believed otherwise.

Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, speaks in a video message after mom Nancy's kidnapping

Crime scene and evidence review ongoing

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31 at her home in Catalina Foothills, a quiet, upscale area north of Tucson. When she failed to appear at a regular commitment the following morning, family members contacted authorities.

Her home was quickly designated a crime scene after deputies discovered conditions inconsistent with a voluntary departure. Investigators are continuing to analyze:

• Blood-like evidence found outside the residence

• Surveillance footage from surrounding homes

• Digital and phone data

• Forensic samples collected inside and outside the house

Officials have not confirmed whether the blood evidence belongs to Nancy Guthrie.

Health concerns add urgency

Authorities continue to stress that Nancy Guthrie does not suffer from dementia or cognitive impairment, but she does have limited mobility and relies on daily prescription medication for serious health conditions, including heart-related issues.

“She cannot be without her medication for long,” officials said, calling the situation “time-sensitive.”

What authorities want the public to know

Law enforcement is urging anyone who:

• Was in Catalina Foothills late January 31

• Has unreviewed security camera footage

• Received suspicious messages referencing the case

to contact the sheriff’s department or FBI directly.

Officials also caution against sharing alleged ransom messages or speculation on social media.

Where the case stands now

Confirmed:

• FBI is jointly investigating the case

• One arrest has been made in a fake ransom attempt

• The home remains an active crime scene

Unconfirmed:

• No suspect in the disappearance itself

• No verified ransom demand

• No confirmed sightings since Jan. 31

A case still unfolding

As the investigation moves forward, authorities say every credible lead is being pursued. For Nancy Guthrie’s family, the focus remains unchanged.

“We want her home,” one investigator said. “That’s what drives this.”

FAQs

Is the FBI officially involved?

Yes. The FBI is jointly investigating the case with local authorities.

Was the ransom demand real?

No. Authorities say the suspect arrested was an imposter with no connection to the disappearance.

Do police believe Nancy Guthrie is alive?

Yes. Investigators say they are still operating under that belief.

Are Savannah Guthrie’s siblings involved?

Yes. Family members are actively cooperating with law enforcement.

Have any suspects been identified?

No suspects have been named in connection with the disappearance itself.