Nancy Guthrie, 84, (mother of TODAY Show host Savannah Guthrie) missing - last seen in the Catalina foothills area on Jan 31, 2026

[Van Helsing]

Yes, the plant at the door also looks like lantana. Doubt it was part of an arrangement.

It's weird that they're so close to the door and not next the the sidewalk. It would seem "juvenile" "immature" to cut a few lantana stems and pass them off as a "gift". Yet, there are people who do this with lantana. (There are little kids who pick mine) I wouldn't expect Nancy to do this. I wouldn't expect another homeowner to do this.

It's almost as if someone came to the door with these in their hand to lure someone out. MOO MOO

Thanks for your observation....

Image source: https://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/5275540/guthrie-home-01/

I had not seen that close-up before. I think that spatter/spray is a bad sign.

 

[Fargo]

This is not new, but thought I would share because I think this is a very good (and concise) interview by CNN of Harvey from TMZ. Lots of good information re: the randsom email that TMZ received.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/06/us/video/harvey-levin-nancy-guthrie-alleged-ransom-note-vrtc-digvid

While I think it's likely the ransom email is from the actual perpetrators of this crime I don't believe it originated as a kidnapping for ransom. I believe this started out as a different crime - robbery, sexual assault, extortion, domestic argument - and the killing (yes, I believe Ms Guthrie is deceased, unfortunately) and the "kidnapping" is an after the fact red herring.

I believe professional kidnappers would have left a ransom letter on the property. Common paper, common ink, no fingerprints, no DNA, untraceable, rather than electronic communication that WILL be traced sooner or later.

Life isn't a James Bond movie and the odds are overwhelmingly that this crime started in a garden variety way done by garden variety people who committed a rash act and a panicked series of events followed afterwards.

I would look close to home.

This is all my personal opinion.

 

[Czechgirl]

we think the kidnapper(s) hit a plant on the way out- ask the gardeners what was by the door.
I think it scratched NG- thus the blood. IMO

I'm wondering if perhaps perp used flowers to cover their face while disabling camera. I also wonder, if perp walked NG out front door and being dark and I assume no cane, did she fall? There is a small step down. I don't know much about blood spatter and droplets, but I did some research this am. It's very interesting.

 

[Vaderman]

Possibilities:

• Access to something valuable that NG keeps offsite or has access to somewhere else (in a storage unit, ATM, safe deposit box, in a refillable prescription).
• To hide the viciousness of the injuries inflicted upon NG.
• To minimize the perpetrator's crime - prefers that NG remain a "missing person" rather than a known victim of assault or murder.
• To secret NG away where the perpetrator has complete control over her, for physical or sexual assault or to extort something from her.
• Because the perpetrator has left DNA on or in NG and the perpetrator knows his DNA is in CODIS, or the perpetrator has committed similar crimes that are unsolved and doesn't want them connected.

Adding one more to your list

• De-personalization. Removing her from the domicile and her things makes her seem less human to the perpetrator. Less room for sympathy/empathy, less room for hesitation.

 

[dotr]

Feb 6, 2026

'The Savannah Guthrie Situation Just Took a Turn | TMZ'​

 

[GussiedCanoodler]

Yes, I saw that photo on CNN. The bandage was a lot bigger than a regular band-aid, and there was bruising that wasn’t covered by the dressing. I agree the reason for the covering is a wound or broken skin.

Would be great to know when that photo was taken. She looks happy in it!

The older we get, the easier we bruise and bleed. She is also on blood thinners I think and, per reports, has difficulty ambulating. Blood thinners and frequent falls are a nasty combo. Not surprised she has bruising and cuts on her arms; I wouldn’t necessarily take this as a sign of or concern for abuse.

 

[No it's not]

Yes, the plant at the door also looks like lantana. Doubt it was part of an arrangement.

It's weird that they're so close to the door and not next the the sidewalk. It would seem "juvenile" "immature" to cut a few lantana stems and pass them off as a "gift". Yet, there are people who do this with lantana. (There are little kids who pick mine) I wouldn't expect Nancy to do this. I wouldn't expect another homeowner to do this.

It's almost as if someone came to the door with these in their hand to lure someone out. MOO MOO

Thanks for your observation....

Image source: https://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/5275540/guthrie-home-01/

Oh wow, is that a band aid..??

-Nin

 

[Starkville]

I wonder if AI apps like Chat GPT keep any kind of records of use. Based on Harvey Levin's analysis today, I had the thought that the perp may have used AI to construct the ransom letter. I also wonder is they used AI in planning the crime and if LE could determine that from the AI vendor. If I was one of these companies' leaders I would love to help solve this crime. I would also be very disappointed if the FBI is behind on using this tactic in the broader sense already.

Good question! I don’t have a ChatGPT account, but I do use it on my phone’s browser. I was shocked when I asked it about a vitamin supplement and it referenced a prescription I take, and the condition I take it to treat! Like it said “Since you’re taking XXX for YYY, you should be aware that…”. I had asked it a bunch of questions about my prescription medication a month earlier. It was a bit unsettling. If I were planning on committing a crime, I wouldn’t use my phone or any computer that could be traced to me!

 

[GussiedCanoodler]

I am on a blood thinner & have tissue thin skin. I have to have bandages that big all the time as it will bleed forever it seems.

You beat me to my comment! I don’t think the cuts/bruises on her arm or even the amount of blood outside are really indicative of anything other than that she’s on blood thinners and bleeds easy.

 

[No it's not]

??

 

[NoeticSoul]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure we don't have an answer on that.

Thanks! I didn't think I had read anything about NG's cane so far :|

 

[MinnesotaMary]

I don't at all understand the meaning of that '$2500 reward if leads to apprehension and conviction'. Why in the world would you decide on stating $2500 as 'the right amount'? Has ANYONE put up a reward by now--can't some private person post a big reward?

 

[SRWCF]

While I think it's likely the ransom email is from the actual perpetrators of this crime I don't believe it originated as a kidnapping for ransom. I believe this started out as a different crime - robbery, sexual assault, extortion, domestic argument - and the killing (yes, I believe Ms Guthrie is deceased, unfortunately) and the "kidnapping" is an after the fact red herring.

I believe professional kidnappers would have left a ransom letter on the property. Common paper, common ink, no fingerprints, no DNA, untraceable, rather than electronic communication that WILL be traced sooner or later.

Life isn't a James Bond movie and the odds are overwhelmingly that this crime started in a garden variety way done by garden variety people who committed a rash act and a panicked series of events followed afterwards.

I would look close to home.

This is all my personal opinion.

I like your theory.

 

[SRWCF]

I don't at all understand the meaning of that '$2500 reward if leads to apprehension and conviction'. Why in the world would you decide on stating $2500 as 'the right amount'? Has ANYONE put up a reward by now--can't some private person post a big reward?

The FBI has put out a $50K award.

 

[thefragile7393]

My Mom would be shocked to see how she "should" be behaving haha She never 'acts her age'

My parents are almost 90 and I guarantee you they'd be having issues with a lot of these comments. Heck they both still drive, although my dad really really should not drive at night....but he does. ugh

 

[Silverstorm]

I wonder if AI apps like Chat GPT keep any kind of records of use. Based on Harvey Levin's analysis today, I had the thought that the perp may have used AI to construct the ransom letter. I also wonder is they used AI in planning the crime and if LE could determine that from the AI vendor. If I was one of these companies' leaders I would love to help solve this crime. I would also be very disappointed if the FBI is behind on using this tactic in the broader sense already.

I was just using chatgpt this morning. I recieved an email that my conversation was saved so I didnt have to repeat work I already did. So, that’s interesting to think about.

 

[pixiepixel]

It's not similar at all TBH. IMO

I think it's possible the Scottsdale mastermind(s) could be behind the ransom note sent to TMZ et al, not the kidnapping. Perhaps they saw Nancy's disappearance as an opportunity to make some money after failing in Scottsdale.

 

[SRWCF]

Good question! I don’t have a ChatGPT account, but I do use it on my phone’s browser. I was shocked when I asked it about a vitamin supplement and it referenced a prescription I take, and the condition I take it to treat! Like it said “Since you’re taking XXX for YYY, you should be aware that…”. I had asked it a bunch of questions about my prescription medication a month earlier. It was a bit unsettling. If I were planning on committing a crime, I wouldn’t use my phone or any computer that could be traced to me!

It does keep data. When AI first started getting big, the company I worked for told employees not to put any of our product info on Chatgpt because it wasn't secure and our intellectual property could be stolen.

 

[Friday Fan]

me too, and I posted a pic of it the other day ~ the clippings look fresh, two have tiny flowers on them. I was wondering if there are identical plants on her property that she may have picked walking up to her home; maybe some inside her home or her last known location and she brought them home.

I id'd the plants and know exactly what they are. I grow them too. (Lantana) They aren't something Nancy would pick nor would florists put in an arrangement. They stink like cat pee and everyone who grows them knows they smell like cat pee. No one picks them to bring inside!

 

[GailAnne]

Yes, the plant at the door also looks like lantana. Doubt it was part of an arrangement.

It's weird that they're so close to the door and not next the the sidewalk. It would seem "juvenile" "immature" to cut a few lantana stems and pass them off as a "gift". Yet, there are people who do this with lantana. (There are little kids who pick mine) I wouldn't expect Nancy to do this. I wouldn't expect another homeowner to do this.

It's almost as if someone came to the door with these in their hand to lure someone out. MOO MOO

Thanks for your observation....

Image source: https://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/5275540/guthrie-home-01/

I see a couple of blood drops have plant pieces sitting on top of them, suggesting the plant pieces were dumped there after the blood.