FBI releases description of suspect and his backpack in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI has released new identifying details about the suspect in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance following a forensic review of doorbell camera footage. Investigators now describe the suspect as a man between 5’9” and 5’10” with an average build who was carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
“We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” the FBI said in a post on X, adding they have received more than 13,000 tips so far. They are increasing the reward for information up to $100,000.
The update comes as authorities continue to collect physical evidence near Guthrie’s Tucson home and expand their request for neighborhood surveillance footage.
Friday marks day 13 since the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills.
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Evidence collected near the home
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that detectives have taken “several items of evidence” into custody, including multiple gloves. A black glove was visibly collected during a search outside Guthrie’s residence earlier this week. Officials said the gloves are being sent for testing.
Surveillance footage released earlier shows a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack approaching Guthrie’s front door in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The individual appeared to tamper with and disable the home’s doorbell camera around 1:47 a.m., according to investigators. Authorities have not stated whether the recovered gloves are linked to that person.
A tent was set up outside Guthrie’s front door Thursday morning for a brief period. Law enforcement has not provided details about its purpose.
Video review expands beyond night of disappearance
Authorities are now seeking any surveillance footage captured between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 from residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home. The request was distributed through the Neighbors app and through the department’s online evidence portal.
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More than 500,000 people were reported missing in the U.S. last year.
The broadened timeline moves beyond the hours immediately surrounding her disappearance. Deputies have said they are reviewing thousands of community tips following the release of security images earlier this week.
Separately, new surveillance video obtained by TMZ shows a man carrying backpacks near a brick wall roughly five miles from Guthrie’s home at about 1:53 a.m. on Feb. 1 — minutes after the doorbell camera was disabled. Authorities have said they want to speak with the individual. They have not confirmed any connection to the case.
A man detained earlier this week during a traffic stop near the Mexican border was released without charges after questioning. A court-authorized search conducted in Rio Rico has been completed.
Ransom communications under federal review
The FBI is overseeing all aspects related to ransom notes or communications involving the Guthrie family. Authorities previously confirmed they were reviewing a message sent to a Tucson television station. TMZ reported receiving an email from a person claiming to know the kidnapper’s identity and demanding bitcoin in exchange for information. Law enforcement has not independently verified that claim.
The National Weather Service has forecast showers for the Tucson area Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms. Environmental conditions can compromise outdoor evidence, according to guidance from the National Institute of Justice. An FBI spokesperson said the investigation will continue regardless of weather.
Savannah Guthrie posted a home video tribute to her mother on Instagram Thursday, writing, “Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her.”
No press briefing is scheduled at this time.
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