The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 80-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered a critical new phase. As of February 13, 2026, federal and local authorities have shifted their operational focus to Rio Rico, Arizona, following the execution of a search warrant at a private residence and the subsequent release of an individual previously described as a person of interest.
Mrs. Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1, under circumstances that have increasingly pointed toward foul play. What began as a silver alert for a missing senior has evolved into a complex multi-agency investigation involving the FBI and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
The Rio Rico Search and Person of Interest
Earlier this week, tactical units and forensic teams converged on a property in Rio Rico, a community situated approximately 15 miles north of the Mexican border. The search, which lasted over twelve hours, saw investigators removing several boxes of evidence and digital storage devices.
While a "person of interest" was detained for questioning during the raid, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late yesterday that the individual has been released without charge. Authorities emphasized that while the individual is no longer in custody, they remain part of the broader inquiry. The release has sparked questions regarding the sufficiency of the evidence found at the scene, though investigators maintain the search provided "actionable intelligence."
Forensic Breakthrough: The 'Gold Mine' Video
Central to the current search is a piece of security footage captured near Mrs. Guthrie’s residence. Forensic analysts have characterized the video as a "gold mine" of information, citing specific details that have not yet been fully disclosed to the public to protect the integrity of the investigation.
According to independent forensic analysts consulted by major news outlets, three distinct factors in the footage are currently being prioritized:
- The Gait and Stature: The physical movement of the individual at the door suggests specific physical characteristics that may rule out certain suspects.
- The Timing of Peripheral Activity: Movement in the background of the shot suggests the individual may not have been acting alone.
- Vehicle Signature: Subtle reflections or light patterns in the video may identify a vehicle make and model that was previously unrecognized by automated plate readers.
The precision of these details has allowed the FBI to narrow the window of the abduction and correlate the video with the delivery of several ransom notes currently under analysis at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico.
The Ransom Notes and Federal Involvement
The transition from a missing person case to a kidnapping investigation was triggered by the discovery of written demands shortly after Mrs. Guthrie’s disappearance. While the specific contents and amounts demanded have been withheld, sources close to the investigation indicate that the notes are being treated with "utmost seriousness."
The FBI’s Child, Adolescent, and Missing Persons Unit is working alongside behavioral analysts to determine the profile of the sender. The involvement of a high-profile media family has added a layer of complexity to the case, as investigators must sift through thousands of tips, many of which are unverified or speculative.
Community Impact and Family Response
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her anchor desk at NBC’s Today show since the beginning of February. In a brief statement released via a family spokesperson, the Guthrie family thanked the public for their prayers and requested privacy as they cooperate with law enforcement.
The local community in Arizona has organized several vigils, and "Missing" posters have become a common sight across Santa Cruz and Pima counties. Law enforcement has urged residents to check their own home security footage from the evening of February 1, specifically looking for any atypical vehicle traffic.
| Date | Event | Status | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Feb 1 | Nancy Guthrie reported missing | Investigation opened | | Feb 4 | Ransom notes identified | FBI takes lead | | Feb 11 | Search warrant executed in Rio Rico | Person of interest questioned | | Feb 12 | Person of interest released | Investigation ongoing | | Feb 13 | Forensic analysis of 'Gold Mine' video | New leads generated |
What Happens Next?
The release of the person of interest suggests that the investigation is entering a more methodical, forensic-heavy stage. Authorities are now tasked with matching the digital evidence seized in Rio Rico with the physical evidence found at the original scene.
Legal experts suggest that the "gold mine" video will likely be the lynchpin of the prosecution’s case should an arrest be made. For now, the focus remains on the safe return of Nancy Guthrie. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI’s tip line or the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
