As the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, approaches the three-week mark, federal and local investigators are intensifying their efforts on multiple fronts, while the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) is urging volunteer search groups to allow professionals to lead the effort.
According to NBC News, as of Saturday, Feb. 21, the FBI is continuing to press forward with an analysis of cellphone data, video and interviews, which includes retrieving any additional images of the suspect from the backend of Guthrie’s video security system.
Meanwhile, at the agency’s Tucson, Arizona, field office, the command post remains fully active, with some personnel being rotated through to keep “fresh eyes” on the case reviewing evidence.
Volunteer Groups Asked to Give Investigators ‘Space’
GettyThe Pima County Sheriff’s Department addressed unsanctioned volunteer search parties on Feb. 21, asking them to refrain from operating independently in the search area.
In a three-part post on X, the department wrote:
“Private Search Parties: Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work. 1/3”
“We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals. PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department. 2/3”
“Private property laws apply and it is up to each individual property owner to grant permission for someone to search their property. 3/3”
Civilian Activity Could Compromise Guthrie’s Case
GettyAccording to Newsweek, dual developments, tightened perimeter control and a public call for volunteers to step back, signal that the investigation has entered a critical phase.
With the FBI actively working to extract additional images of a masked suspect from the backend of Guthrie’s security system, according to NBC News, even well-intentioned civilian activity near the scene could compromise evidence or hinder operations.
Separately, NBC News reports that “sheriff deputies on Saturday placed new street barricades outside Guthrie’s home” in order to help “regulate the flow of traffic around the news crews” as well as “true crime fans.”
Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31, when she was dropped off at home shortly before 10 p.m., according to a timeline provided by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Her doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on Feb. 1. Her pacemaker disconnected from her phone less than an hour later. Her family reported missing later that day.
Nanos has said investigators believe she was taken in the middle of the night. Authorities have not identified a possible motive, nor have they identified any possible suspects.
