Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case believes they know kidnapper’s motive
Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case believes they know kidnapper’s motive
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. TV host Savannah Guthrie, has remained missing for 41 days since her abduction from her Tucson, Arizona, residence on February 1. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, leading the investigation, confirmed that authorities suspect the perpetrator has a clear motive, though the identity of the kidnapper remains unknown.
Clues from a nationwide search, including DNA samples and ransom notes, have surfaced but have not yet led to the capture of the suspect. Nanos declined to specify the motive, stating that revealing it might jeopardize the ongoing probe. “We believe it was targeted,” he said, adding that certainty about this aspect remains uncertain.
“It’d be silly to tell people, ‘Yeah, don’t worry about it. You’re not his target,'” Nanos remarked during an interview with NBC News on Thursday. “Don’t think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you’re safe.”
The sheriff also urged vigilance in Guthrie’s affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood, advising residents to “keep your wits about you.” Savannah Guthrie has actively used social media to directly address her captor, sharing multiple videos that appeal for help in locating her mother. She has offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to Nancy’s return.
While several arrests have occurred, none have directly tied to the case. A California man, charged with sending counterfeit ransom notes, is now facing federal accusations, but is not considered linked to the disappearance. A delivery worker was temporarily detained but was later released after being cleared by investigators.
Currently, the only visual evidence of the suspect is a masked individual captured on the doorbell camera outside Nancy Guthrie’s home. Despite the gathered information, the investigation continues without a confirmed suspect. Nanos emphasized the possibility of another attack, highlighting the need for public awareness and caution.
