Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Have information about this case?
If you have any information regarding Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the following agencies:
Nancy Ellen Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Catalina Foothills, Arizona home on February 1, 2026. Doorbell camera footage captured a masked, armed individual on her property in the early hours of February 1, and blood confirmed as hers was found at the entrance. Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are investigating the case as a kidnapping. As of April 7, 2026, Nancy has not been located and no suspect has been charged in connection with her disappearance.
Featured Coverage
Case overview
Nancy Ellen Guthrie, born January 27, 1942, in Fort Worth, Kentucky, had lived in the Tucson, Arizona area for more than 50 years. [1] At 84, she had limited mobility and depended on daily medication. She was the mother of four children, including Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's Today show, and had been widowed since 1988. She lived alone in her home in the Catalina Foothills, an unincorporated community in Pima County north of Tucson.
On the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026, Nancy took an Uber to daughter Annie Guthrie's home for dinner at approximately 5:32 p.m. Her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, drove her home afterward, dropping her off at approximately 9:48 p.m. [2] A garage door camera recorded the garage door closing at 9:50 p.m. as Cioni departed. That was the last confirmed sighting of Nancy Guthrie. [1]
In the early morning hours of February 1, a masked individual approached her home. Doorbell camera footage captured the figure disconnecting the camera from outside at 1:47 a.m. [1] Motion was detected again at 2:12 a.m., at which point the camera recorded an armed individual wearing a mask, black gloves, and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. [4] At 2:28 a.m., Nancy's bedside pacemaker monitor failed its scheduled transmission — a detail investigators regarded as highly significant. [1] That morning, when Nancy did not appear for her regular virtual church service, a fellow churchgoer alerted her family. Family members arrived at the residence at approximately 11:56 a.m. and called 911 at 12:03 p.m. [2] Pima County Sheriff's deputies arrived at 12:15 p.m.
Blood was found at the entrance to Nancy's home. Forensic testing confirmed it was hers. [3] Investigators noted that her phone, medications, and personal belongings had all been left behind, and the back doors of the home were found propped open. The conditions at the residence were described by authorities as "very concerning" and inconsistent with a voluntary departure. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on February 2: "I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn't walk from there." [2]
The Pima County Sheriff's Department led the investigation with substantial involvement from the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection. [3] Search-and-rescue teams deployed police dogs, drones, and aerial resources. Investigators deployed a helicopter-mounted signal detection device in an attempt to pick up transmissions from Nancy's pacemaker. Google worked with investigators to attempt to recover additional footage from home cameras. [7]
Multiple purported ransom notes were received by media outlets, including Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD-TV and TMZ. [1] The notes demanded payment in Bitcoin; law enforcement has not publicly confirmed the authenticity of any note. The Bitcoin wallet address specified in one demand recorded no transactions. Savannah Guthrie stated publicly she believes two of the notes are genuine — a view she has expressed as her own assessment, not an official law enforcement determination. [3]
On February 5, 2026, Derrick Callella, a Torrance, California resident, was arrested on federal charges for allegedly sending fraudulent text messages to Nancy's family attempting to extract ransom payment. [6] Federal prosecutors explicitly stated he was not linked to the actual abduction and was charged solely in connection with the fraudulent communications.
On February 10, FBI Director Kash Patel released still images and short video clips from the doorbell camera showing the masked suspect. [1] On February 12, the FBI issued a physical description: a man of average build, 5'9" to 5'10" tall, with a black mustache, wearing black gloves and the Ozark Trail backpack. [4] A pair of black gloves was recovered approximately 1.5 miles from the residence; DNA was extracted but returned no match in the CODIS database. The FBI subsequently began using investigative genetic genealogy — the same technology used to identify the Golden State Killer — to analyze the DNA from the gloves and additional samples from inside the home. [5]
On February 16, 2026, investigators confirmed that all family members had been cleared as suspects. [1] Evidence gathered by late February suggested the suspect may have surveilled the property before the night of the abduction. The family announced a $1 million reward on February 24, 2026, for information leading to Nancy's safe return or the arrest of those responsible, and donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. [1]
Savannah Guthrie gave her first full public interview on the subject to former Today colleague Hoda Kotb in late March 2026. [3] She returned to the Today anchor desk on April 6, 2026. As of April 7, 2026, Nancy Guthrie has not been located. No suspect has been arrested or charged in connection with her disappearance. The investigation remains active. [3]
- [1]Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
- [2]Timeline: Nancy Guthrie disappearance as search intensifies
- [3]Nancy Guthrie investigation: What we know
- [4]FBI releases first description of suspect, increases reward to $100,000
- [5]Genetic genealogy used in Nancy Guthrie case
- [6]Man arrested for demanding Bitcoin ransom from Nancy Guthrie family
- [7]Nancy Guthrie abduction: The full timeline
Legal Status
As of April 7, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with Nancy Guthrie's disappearance or suspected abduction. No suspect in the abduction has been publicly identified. [1]
FBI Jurisdiction
The investigation is being conducted as a kidnapping matter. Federal jurisdiction was established based on the ransom demands received. [3] The FBI's Phoenix field office, led by Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke, has been co-leading the investigation alongside the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Peripheral Arrest — Derrick Callella
On February 5, 2026, Derrick Callella of Torrance, California was arrested on federal charges of (1) transmitting a demand for ransom and (2) intending to abuse, threaten, or harass using a telecommunication device. [6] The charges relate solely to fraudulent text messages he allegedly sent to Nancy's family in an apparent attempt to extort money. Federal prosecutors explicitly stated Callella was not linked to the actual abduction and is not considered a suspect in Nancy's disappearance. After being read his Miranda rights, Callella allegedly admitted to sending the messages. He has not been convicted as of the research date.
A $1 million reward was announced by the Guthrie family on February 24, 2026, for information leading to Nancy's safe return or the arrest of those responsible for her disappearance. [1]
- [1]Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
- [2]Timeline: Nancy Guthrie disappearance as search intensifies
- [3]Nancy Guthrie investigation: What we know
- [4]FBI releases first description of suspect, increases reward to $100,000
- [5]Genetic genealogy used in Nancy Guthrie case
- [6]Man arrested for demanding Bitcoin ransom from Nancy Guthrie family
- [7]Nancy Guthrie abduction: The full timeline
March 25, 2026
Savannah Guthrie Gives First Full Interview
Savannah Guthrie gives her first full public interview about the case to former Today colleague Hoda Kotb, describing the family as being "in agony." She returns to the Today anchor desk on April 6, 2026.
Source →February 24, 2026
$1 Million Family Reward Announced
Savannah Guthrie announces a $1 million family reward for information leading to Nancy's safe return or the arrest of those responsible. The family also donates $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Source →February 23, 2026
Evidence Suggests Pre-Abduction Surveillance
Evidence gathered by investigators suggests the suspect may have visited Nancy's property prior to the date of abduction, indicating premeditation. Sheriff Nanos expresses belief that Nancy is being held in the local area.
Source →February 16, 2026
All Family Members Cleared as Suspects
Investigators officially clear all family members, including Tommaso Cioni, as suspects. Walmart records are reviewed after investigators identify the suspect's mask and backpack as originating from that retailer.
Source →February 15, 2026
Glove DNA — No CODIS Match; Genetic Genealogy Deployed
DNA extracted from the recovered gloves returns no match in the nationwide CODIS database. The FBI begins using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) — the same technology used to identify the Golden State Killer — to analyze the DNA.
Source →February 12, 2026
Suspect Description Issued; Gloves Recovered; Reward Doubled
The FBI releases a physical description of the suspect: male, average build, 5'9"–5'10", black mustache, black gloves, Ozark Trail backpack. A pair of black gloves is recovered approximately 1.5 miles from the residence. DNA is extracted from the gloves but returns no match in the CODIS database. Reward increased to $100,000.
Source →February 10, 2026
FBI Releases Doorbell Camera Footage of Suspect
FBI Director Kash Patel releases still images and short video clips from the doorbell camera showing the masked suspect. The footage is the most concrete visual evidence in the case.
Source →February 5, 2026
FBI Reward Announced; Man Arrested for Fraudulent Ransom Texts
The FBI announces a $50,000 reward for information. Separately, Derrick Callella of Torrance, California is arrested on federal charges for allegedly sending fraudulent text messages to Nancy's family demanding ransom. Federal prosecutors explicitly state Callella is not linked to the actual abduction.
Source →February 3, 2026
Blood at Residence Confirmed as Nancy's
DNA testing confirms that the blood found at the entrance of Nancy's home and inside the residence belongs to her.
Source →February 2, 2026
Sheriff Declares Criminal Investigation; Abduction Stated
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly declares the case a criminal investigation and states: "I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn't walk from there." The FBI and US Customs and Border Protection join the investigation.
Source →February 1, 2026
Masked Intruder Recorded at Nancy's Home (1:47–2:12 a.m.)
Doorbell camera footage captures a masked individual disconnecting the camera from outside at 1:47 a.m. At 2:12 a.m., the camera records an armed, masked individual wearing black gloves and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack on the property. At 2:28 a.m., Nancy's bedside pacemaker monitor fails its scheduled transmission.
Source →February 1, 2026
Nancy Reported Missing; 911 Called
When Nancy does not appear for her regular virtual church service, a fellow churchgoer alerts her family. Family members arrive at the residence at approximately 11:56 a.m., find disturbing conditions — blood at the entrance, back doors propped open, phone and medications left behind — and call 911 at 12:03 p.m. Pima County Sheriff's deputies arrive at 12:15 p.m.
Source →January 31, 2026
Nancy Guthrie Has Dinner with Family — Last Confirmed Sighting
Nancy takes an Uber to daughter Annie Guthrie's home for dinner at approximately 5:32 p.m. Her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni drives her home, dropping her off at approximately 9:48 p.m. A garage door camera records the door closing at 9:50 p.m. as Cioni departs. This is the last confirmed sighting of Nancy Guthrie.
Source →
Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Ellen Guthrie, born January 27, 1942, in Fort Wright, Kentucky, was an 84-year-old retired woman and long-time resident of the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. The mother of four, including NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, she was widowed in 1988. She had limited mobility and required daily medication. She was reported missing on February 1, 2026, following the discovery of blood at her home and doorbell camera footage of a masked, armed intruder on her property. She remains missing as of April 7, 2026.
Tommaso Cioni
Tommaso Cioni is the husband of Annie Guthrie, Nancy's daughter. He drove Nancy home from a family dinner on the evening of January 31, 2026, dropping her off at approximately 9:48 p.m. — the last confirmed sighting of Nancy before her disappearance. He was cleared as a suspect by investigators on February 16, 2026.
Savannah Guthrie
Co-anchor of NBC Today show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie. Primary family spokesperson, announced $1M reward, gave first interview to Hoda Kotb March 2026.
Unknown Subject
Unidentified — FBI seeking information
Unidentified individual captured on doorbell camera footage. Described as male, average build, 5'9"-5'10", wearing mask, black gloves, and Ozark Trail backpack. Armed with holstered handgun.
Annie Guthrie
Daughter of victim
Daughter of Nancy Guthrie. Nancy had dinner at her home the evening before her disappearance.
Chris Nanos
Pima County Sheriff
Pima County Sheriff leading the local investigation. Publicly stated his belief that Nancy was abducted.
Kash Patel
FBI Director
FBI Director who released doorbell camera still images and video clips of the masked suspect on February 10, 2026.
Heith Janke
FBI SAC, Phoenix
FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix field office, co-leading the investigation alongside Pima County.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Derrick-Callella-and-Nancy-Guthrie-021326-02d7123b671044b4a109e85c72894027.jpg){kind=small}
Derrick Callella
Arrested — fraudulent ransom demands
Arrested on federal charges for sending fraudulent ransom text messages to Nancy's family. Not linked to the actual abduction.
Blood Evidence — Confirmed as Nancy's
Blood was found at the entrance of Nancy's Catalina Foothills home and inside the residence. DNA testing confirmed it belongs to Nancy Guthrie. The presence of her blood, combined with the absence of her phone and medications, was central to authorities' determination that she had not left voluntarily.
cbsnews.comPacemaker Monitor Transmission Failure (2:28 a.m., February 1)
Nancy's bedside cardiac pacemaker monitoring device failed to complete its scheduled 2:28 a.m. transmission on February 1, 2026. Investigators treated this as a significant indicator of the timeline of events. Search teams deployed a helicopter-mounted signal detection device in an attempt to locate active transmissions from the pacemaker.
en.wikipedia.orgRecovered Black Gloves — DNA; No CODIS Match
A pair of black gloves was recovered approximately 1.5 miles from Nancy's residence. DNA was successfully extracted from the gloves but returned no match in the nationwide CODIS database. The FBI subsequently deployed investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to analyze the DNA profile — the same technique used to identify the Golden State Killer and other cold-case perpetrators.
foxnews.comPurported Ransom Notes — Authenticity Unconfirmed
Multiple purported ransom notes were received by Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD-TV and by TMZ. The notes demanded payment in Bitcoin; a specific demand of $6 million with a deadline of February 9, 2026 was reported. The Bitcoin wallet address specified in one note recorded no transactions. Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed the authenticity of any of the notes. Savannah Guthrie has stated she personally believes two of the notes are genuine — a view she expressed as her own assessment.
en.wikipedia.orgSuspect Physical Description
FBI description: man of average build, 5ft9 to 5ft10 tall, black mustache, black gloves, black 25L Ozark Trail backpack.
FBI via KOMO News (public domain — U.S. government work)Doorbell Camera Footage — Armed, Masked Suspect
Doorbell camera footage from the early hours of February 1, 2026 shows a masked, armed individual on Nancy's property. At 1:47 a.m. the figure is seen physically disconnecting the camera from outside; at 2:12 a.m. the camera captures the suspect wearing black gloves and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. The FBI released still images and short video clips on February 10, 2026. The footage is the most concrete visual evidence of an intruder.
FBI via CBS News (public domain — U.S. government work)Personal Belongings Left at Residence
Phone, medications, and personal belongings were all found at the home, indicating Nancy did not leave voluntarily.
