Separating Fact From Fiction in the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, continues to provide more questions than answers.

Ever since Nancy was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, local law enforcement and the FBI have been working around the clock to bring the 84-year-old back to her family.

“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” President Donald Trump shared via his Truth Social platform on February 4. “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”

Despite the FBI offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s location or the arrest of her kidnappers, authorities have yet to publicly identify a suspect or person of interest.

Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy Is Missing in Arizona: Timeline of the Case

As Savannah and her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, continue waiting for good news, Us Weekly is breaking down some of the biggest rumors about the case.

Keep reading to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to the search for Nancy:

Has Nancy Guthrie’s Family Been Cleared as Possible Suspects?

Nancy, Savannah and Annie Guthrie Courtesy of Savannah Guthrie/Instagram

On February 16, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly cleared Savannah Guthrie’s family as potential suspects amid the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

“To be clear … the Guthrie family — to include all siblings and spouses — have been cleared as possible suspects in this case. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case,” Nanos shared in a statement via X at the time. “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple… please, I’m begging you the media to honor your profession and report with some sense of compassion and professionalism.”

Did Nancy Guthrie’s Abductor Purchase Clothes From Walmart?

After the FBI released several black-and-white photos and video clips of a possible suspect captured outside of Nancy Guthrie’s home, authorities said they believe the clothing and face mask worn by the person in the images were purchased at Walmart.

According to CBS News, the backpack seen on the person was a black Ozark Trail Hiker, which is sold exclusively at Walmart.

Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News that Walmart has provided records of all Ozark Trail Hiker online and in-store purchases over the past few months. Investigators are working with Walmart management to identify and isolate the individual who purchased the backpack.

Do Police Know the Motive for Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnapping?

Nancy Guthrie Courtesy of NBC News

In an interview with the Daily Mail on February 16, Sheriff Chris Nanos shared his belief that Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped rather than involved in a burglary that went wrong.

“This is somebody who’s disappeared from the face of the earth, and now we have a camera that says here’s the person who did this,” Nanos explained when referring to surveillance footage released by the FBI. “That’s what makes me say this is a kidnapping. The motivation for it is where we get stuck, right? Is it for money? I mean, we had the one demand where they asked for money. But is it really for money, or is it for revenge for something?”

What DNA Was Collected Near Nancy Guthrie’s Home?

On February 13, multiple news outlets confirmed that authorities found “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her” as the investigation into her disappearance continues.

While police would not disclose exactly where that DNA was located, it was discovered and collected at Nancy’s property, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department shared in a statement.

Investigators also told NBC Tucson affiliate KVOA on February 11 that a pair of black gloves were located in the expanded search around Nancy’s home. The gloves were submitted for DNA analysis, but police revealed on February 17 that there were no DNA hits in CODIS.

What Happened to Nancy Guthrie’s Pacemaker?

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on February 17 that investigators are attempting to locate Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker device and are working with the manufacturer and other experts in the field to assist in that effort.

Are the FBI and Local Authorities Working Together?

At one point in the investigation, reports surfaced that the sheriff’s department allegedly blocked the FBI from accessing physical evidence.

Sheriff Chris Nanos denied such speculation and stated that the sheriff’s department and the FBI are working together and have been since the investigation began.

Nanos also confirmed the FBI has been dealing with alleged ransom notes because the bureau is better equipped to review them.

Is Savannah Guthrie Leaving the ‘Today’ Show?

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie Courtesy of NBC News

Ever since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, Savannah Guthrie has been in Arizona to be closer to family. As a result, Hoda Kotb and Sheinelle Jones have been filling in for their colleague and friend in New York while Savannah searches for her mom.

Any rumors about Savannah’s future with Today is simply speculation at this time. Instead, the entire team at NBC News appears focused on supporting Savannah during an unpredictable time.

Savannah Guthrie Shares Emotional Plea for Safe Return of Mom Nancy Guthrie

How Long Could It Take to Find Nancy Guthrie?

On February 13, Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times that nearly 400 people are still “looking hard” and working on the case.

While Nanos is certain that the team will find Nancy Guthrie and her abductor, he is unsure of when that will happen.

“Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos said of the search. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”

Anyone with information on Nancy’s disappearance is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov.