Renowned Houston forensic artist sketches her version of suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Renowned Houston forensic artist sketches her version of suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

Two weeks after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills, investigators say they are still searching for the unidentified man seen in newly recovered surveillance footage. Authorities have formally labeled the case a kidnapping and continue to urge the public to help identify the suspect.

The case involves Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was last seen January 31 and reported missing February 1.

Read more: SWAT Operation Near Nancy Guthrie Home Leads to Three Detentions

Suspect Description: Key Details Released by FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation released critical identifying details on February 10 after recovering previously inaccessible footage from Guthrie’s front-door Nest camera.

According to the FBI, the suspect is:

Male

Approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall

Average build

Wearing dark clothing and gloves

Carrying a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack

The masked individual is seen approaching Guthrie’s home in the early morning hours of February 1 and appearing to tamper with or disable the doorbell camera before moving out of view.

Federal officials said the footage was recovered from residual backend data after investigators worked with private-sector partners to retrieve video that had initially been lost, corrupted or rendered inaccessible. The FBI’s Operational Technology Division conducted forensic analysis to confirm identifying details, including the specific backpack model.

Authorities believe recognition of the backpack could generate targeted leads.

Read more: Identify the Kidnapping Suspect: FBI Releases Description in Nancy Guthrie Case

Unofficial Sketch by Legendary Forensic Artist

In a new development, retired Houston Police Department forensic artist Lois Gibson stepped out of retirement to create an unofficial sketch of the masked figure.

Gibson, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished forensic sketch artists in the country, was not asked by any law enforcement agency to assist. Her drawing is not sanctioned by investigators and should not be considered an official depiction of the suspect.

After reviewing the FBI-released footage, Gibson based her sketch on the limited visible features beneath the ski mask — specifically the eyes, lips and mustache area.

“I couldn’t stop myself. I wanted to help,” Gibson said, describing the emotional impact of high-profile abduction cases. Having spent decades assisting law enforcement in identifying suspects through witness descriptions, she said she felt compelled to contribute, even unofficially.

The sketch reflects her professional instincts rather than confirmed police findings. Still, the image is circulating widely online as public interest in the case remains intense.

Description of Nancy Guthrie kidnapping suspect released
Description of Nancy Guthrie kidnapping suspect released

No Identified Suspect Yet

Despite increased police activity near Guthrie’s home heading into February 14, law enforcement officials confirmed there have been no arrests in the case as of Sunday morning.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said investigators followed up on a recent lead that did not result in any arrests. Officials have emphasized that the suspect remains unidentified and that the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier this week, a SWAT operation near Guthrie’s neighborhood resulted in three people being detained during the execution of a search warrant. Authorities clarified that those detentions were procedural during warrant service and did not immediately lead to charges.

Read more: Who Kidnapped Nancy Guthrie? FBI Releases New Footage of Armed Suspect at Her Home

Evidence and Ongoing Forensic Work

Meanwhile, investigative activity continues at Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson. A white forensic tent has been erected outside the residence as authorities process evidence.

Sources familiar with the investigation say gloves found roughly a mile from the home appear similar to those worn by the individual seen in the surveillance footage. Those gloves are undergoing DNA testing.

Earlier this week, a SWAT operation near the neighborhood led to three individuals being detained during the execution of a search warrant. Officials clarified that no arrests have been announced in connection with the kidnapping.

$100,000 Reward Offered

On February 12, the FBI’s Phoenix division doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to:

  • The location of Nancy Guthrie

  • The arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance

Investigators say they have received thousands of public tips and continue to analyze surveillance footage, physical evidence, and digital records tied to the case.

What Investigators Are Focusing On

Law enforcement officials continue to concentrate on:

  • Identifying the masked male seen in surveillance footage

  • Tracking ownership or recent use of the Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack

  • Reviewing neighborhood camera footage from late January 31 through early February 1

  • Processing forensic evidence collected at the residence

Authorities previously confirmed that evidence recovered at the home indicated Guthrie was taken from the property.

Community Appeal Continues

The search remains active in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson, with investigators urging anyone who may recognize the suspect’s height, build, clothing or backpack to come forward.

As of February 15, no suspect has been publicly named. Officials stress that identifying the man captured on video remains the central objective in bringing Nancy Guthrie home.