The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, continues in Tucson with no arrests tied directly to the suspected kidnapping. Authorities face significant challenges, including limited physical evidence, rugged terrain, and uncertainty surrounding a reported ransom message. Former CIA officer and FBI special agent Tracy Walder believes the abduction was carefully planned rather than random. She notes that no suspect DNA was found in the home, suggesting the perpetrator may have worn protective gear and prepared in advance. Officials also revealed that Nancy’s doorbell camera was disabled around 1:47 a.m., and Walder believes the intruder likely knew where security devices were located, possibly after studying the victim’s routine. Because Nancy’s personal information was easily found online and her home sits in a secluded area, Walder suspects the perpetrator may have monitored her movements beforehand.
Walder also doubts the incident was a robbery gone wrong, arguing that kidnappers rarely take victims unless the act is intentional and targeted. She suggests the crime could be connected to Savannah Guthrie’s public profile, possibly involving someone obsessed with or angry at the television host. Meanwhile, federal authorities arrested a Los Angeles man, Derrick Callella, for allegedly sending fake ransom messages to the family, though investigators say he is not linked to Nancy’s disappearance. The FBI condemned attempts to exploit the situation and continues to pursue credible leads. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible, as officials urge the public to provide any tips that could help resolve the case.