“Something’s off” – Chilling theory emerges in case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother
Expert says elderly woman was likely abducted by more than one person as questions mount over ransom notes and missing security footage.
A former NYPD hostage negotiator believes foul play involving multiple people is likely behind the mysterious disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother — raising even more concerns in a case already filled with chilling clues.
Wallace Zeins, who spent years handling kidnapping cases for the NYPD, says something about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance doesn’t add up.
“She is 150 pounds, 5 feet 5, waking up in the middle of the night, not in the best health, cannot walk or run,” Zeins told CNN. “So I would think there is more than one person involved in this particular crime.”
Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, after having dinner with her daughter Annie in Tucson, Arizona. By Sunday morning, alarm bells rang when she missed church — something her family says never happens.
Signs of something sinister
Investigators found her Apple Watch left behind at her home. More unsettling: Nancy’s pacemaker stopped syncing around 2 a.m. Sunday, a detail detectives believe is crucial.
Adding to the concern, faint traces of blood were reportedly spotted outside her front door. While police have not confirmed if it belongs to Nancy, the finding adds to the growing list of red flags.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos ruled out the possibility that Nancy simply wandered off, saying she’s mentally sharp and did not suffer from any confusion or memory issues.
Ransom notes and missing footage deepen the mystery
The case took a darker turn when news outlets reported receiving ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy’s safe return. The notes included details only someone inside her home would know. Though authorities have not confirmed the contents, Sheriff Nanos did say the notes were shown to Savannah.
Zeins believes the ransom notes themselves may provide key digital clues. If typed, they could leave an electronic trail. If handwritten, DNA might be recovered from the paper.
He also pointed out that whoever wrote them likely has knowledge of cryptocurrency and digital communication — hinting that the suspect may be tech-savvy and active online.
Meanwhile, investigators have discovered the front security camera at Nancy’s home is missing — a strange and worrying development that could mean someone tried to cover their tracks.
Former FBI profiler Candice DeLong added another layer to the investigation, saying most kidnappings of elderly individuals are committed by someone the victim knows.
“There is one thing I’d like to add about kidnapping of elderly people, especially people over 80,” DeLong said on CNN. “In the vast majority of cases, the offender is known to the victim.”
This revelation has made many wonder whether someone close to Nancy could have been involved — or at least had inside knowledge of her routines or living arrangements.
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s Today show, has put her career on hold to be with her family. She canceled plans to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and is now focused entirely on finding her mom.
In a heartbreaking video posted to Instagram, Savannah, surrounded by her siblings, begged for her mother’s safe return and asked for proof that she is alive.
“We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her,” she said. “We are ready to talk.”
Police helicopters have been seen flying over the desert near Nancy’s home in a careful “grid search,” scanning the land inch by inch. Zeins explained this method helps ensure nothing is overlooked in wide-open areas.
Even former President Donald Trump weighed in, saying Wednesday night that he had spoken with Savannah and promised to “deploy all resources” to help bring Nancy home safely.
Investigators are still collecting DNA and fingerprint evidence from Nancy’s home. They’re also working to answer key questions: What was Nancy wearing when she vanished? Was she taken in a car? Who removed the security camera? And who sent the ransom notes?
Law enforcement has warned the public not to overwhelm the case with false or misleading tips, noting that high-profile cases often attract bad actors.
Still, for Savannah and her family, the hope remains.
“Targeting an elderly person like this is really sick,” one social media user posted — a sentiment echoed by many watching this heartbreaking story unfold.
If you have any information, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. The FBI is offering $2,500 for tips that lead to helpful information.
