Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, has now been missing for more than a week, as investigators continue to search for answers in what authorities believe is a kidnapping. The 84-year-old disappeared overnight from her Tucson, Arizona home and was last seen on 31 January, 2026, according to media reports.
As a purported ransom deadline passed, Savannah Guthrie issued an emotional public plea for help, saying her family was at “an hour of desperation.” The case has drawn intense attention online, including from commentator Zack Peter, who posted a video message directly addressing the suspected abductors.
In the clip, he urged them to return Nancy Guthrie and criticized the pace of the search effort, declaring: “I know you’re watching this.”
Authorities intensify search for Nancy Guthrie as ransom deadlines pass
Law enforcement agencies say the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping remains active and ongoing. According to the BBC on 10 February 2026, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information and is operating a 24-hour command post in Tucson with crisis management and investigative teams.
Officials reportedly said they have not identified a suspect or person of interest and are not aware of continued communication between the family and suspected kidnappers. A purported ransom deadline on Monday passed without resolution, following an earlier alleged deadline on 5 February, 2026.
Savannah Guthrie posted a video plea asking the public to report anything suspicious, even outside Tucson. She said her mother “was taken” and urged people to contact law enforcement with any possible clues.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the FBI is handling all aspects related to ransom communications. FBI Director Kash Patel arrived in Tucson on Monday on a trip that had been scheduled before the disappearance, according to the BBC.
Zack Peter expresses skepticism regarding the search efforts
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on 9 February 2026, Zack Peter directly addressed whoever he believes is holding Nancy Guthrie. He said the alleged kidnappers would not receive the Bitcoin ransom referenced in reported notes and repeatedly urged them to “bring that lady home.”
Peter also questioned why more visible search efforts were not underway, asking why there were no search dogs or large public search teams combing areas of Arizona. He also expressed frustration that, in his view, authorities had not located clear surveillance leads.
Zack Peter went further by telling viewers not to trust federal authorities if they ever went missing. He said that if he disappeared, people should not rely on the FBI, arguing that the response in the Guthrie case appeared inadequate. Throughout the clip, he emphasized the emotional toll on the family and referenced Savannah Guthrie’s distress as the search entered its second week.
Friends, family and well wishers appeal for return as investigation enters second week
NBC News reported on 9 February 2026 that federal agents and sheriff’s deputies conducted extensive searches of Nancy Guthrie’s property over the weekend. Agents were seen working on rooftops and in surrounding vegetation, and a vehicle believed to belong to Guthrie was towed from the home.
Detectives also carried out follow-up searches at other locations connected to the family. Authorities said no suspects or vehicles have been identified and that details of ongoing investigative steps will not be disclosed.
In a separate video alongside her siblings, Savannah Guthrie addressed her mother’s possible captor and said the family would pay for her safe return. She said they had received a message and pleaded for Nancy Guthrie to be returned so the family could have peace.
Meanwhile, members of her church congregation gathered to pray for the 84-year-old. Deputies have been assigned to maintain a security presence at the Guthrie home at the family’s request.
Edited by Devangee
