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

[Van Helsing]

In this scenario are you assuming her intention was a ransom? Maybe it was a domestic gone horribly wrong (even by her spouse) and then a blundering cover-up/distraction after the fact. Many cases have unraveled in blundering, unbelievable ways.

The ransom as far as we know with all the details released to the press could have come after the fact or another event or be unrelated. Many experts, former FBI etc. have said it's a very atypical ransom. If one's end goal was a ransom you would want it quick and quiet and contact the family directly, have other proof than a description of things at the crime scene after the fact.
It is possible the "ransom" is an after the fact cover up or distraction and that NG was deceased prior to it, in an assault, accident, domestic, etc. either by a blundering wannabe kidnapper or by someone in her immediate circle. It is possible the ransom is a scam by another party that was clever enough to get some facts of the case (as far as we know no unique identifying information has come since then. If they had possession of an alive NG they could obtain that.)

The ransom was always the weird part in how atypical and convoluted it appeared. It may well be an indirect product of another event and even by another party. And it may be put out there with no true intention to genuinely bargain for return, because they can't offer that (either NG is already deceased, or the "ransomer" can not deliver her/doesn't have her).

Careers in fields that provide limited means of income may require support from others. Who knows what some people might do if they see that support coming to an end. Also, care giving of a declining elderly person can become very burdensome and some people are incapable of handling it.

 

[Inthedetails]

I meant by the person demanding the ransom.

Yeah, sorry. I edited right after posting to include that.

 

[stmichael]

I don't find it hard to believe that someone in the family is involved, but I do think the most likely scenario for that involves some sort of unintentional violence or escalation, followed by a messy cover-up.

I just can't reconcile how someone could sit with their distraught family for a week and allow things to continue to spiral. Unless someone is completely psychopathic, I'd think they would be breaking down and giving up the ruse.

Clearly there's love between the siblings. I could forgive my sibling for an accident and poorly thought-out cover up that spiraled out of control. I could not forgive my sibling for putting me through this week+ of torture, humiliation, and false hope.

MOO

That's where I'm leaning. In many many cases we've learned that often truth is stranger than fiction. People are human and panic and do stupid stupid things and theses things spiral out of control quickly.

Everyone keeps saying it's "weird" case. The lack of security, the details, the timeline, the bungling initial investigation, the weird ransom attempt and it's atypical context.

Just look to the "Pain & Gain" movie by M. Bay which was based on the 90s Daniel Lugo/Sun Gym gang case of extortion and kidnapping. The whole premise of the movie was how outrageous, stupid, and unbelievable the case was and yes, "it was based on a true story".

 

[turaj]

AG may have felt that she too would be implicated. Calling 911 would also mean the arrest of her husband, public exposure, and the destruction of her family life. MOO

clearly we won't hear the 911 calls but is it confirmed the call came from AG?

 

[birdbox]

Coyotes not a fan of cats, or is there just a lot of other game for them out there?

They really are skittish creatures. We had some outside stray cats and a farm dog outside that looked over chickens. I think they could have stayed away due to the dog, honestly. But they just tend to hunt very small game, rats, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Very hidden elusive creatures. Lived there 15 years, never once saw them. Only heard them...and sometimes VERY close.

 

[Izzylizzy]

In one of the videos released last night by a reporter, they showed a deputy entering the house with what was described as a silver briefcase. At least one person here commented that it looked larger that a standard briefcase and suggested it might be a folding table.

Something like this.
??

The UFED (Universal Forensics Extraction Device)

Cellebrite UFED - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[keek]

First and foremost - I think everyone's ideas, questions, and theories are just as valid as everyone else's. I wrote a whole theory that I know includes some wild speculation and questionable assumptions. But I want to challenge some of the things I'm reading, not to say anyone is wrong, but to help shape my own ideas better.
1) I'm reading theories where SG is the reason for what happened. Some of these theories seem centered around SG being pulled off the Olympics coverage, retaliation for her political statements, and/or terrorist or foreign actors. In my thinking, none of that makes sense. There are journalists and public figures with far more "offensive" statements who also cover major global events - why wouldn't they be targeted? Wouldn't there be a public statement by the group, person, organization responsible if this was done to "punish" SG for some reason?
2) Absolving the SIL because NG was over at his house for dinner. I'm not sure that means anything. There are plenty of cases where otherwise wholesome things happen just before a violent crime is committed by one of the participants. I also think to suicides where the person was "happy and playing with his son" before taking their own life hours later. So I'm not sure having dinner with NG equals SIL not being involved.
3) Evidence collection at AG house and garage. I'm under the impression they found evidence that connects someone at the house with the kidnapping - the garage being where DNA from whoever getting out of the car and walking through the garage, items used to plan or assist in the kidnapping, etc. Could the large rolled up item be a blueprint of AG house to show any hidden crawl spaces, septic tanks, etc? I'm not so sure a body part was mailed (easily tracked as a package isn't that easy to just drop off without some camera or witness coverage and just packaging it to avoid smell, leaking of fluids, etc).
4) Teens involved as Bitcoin was the ransom medium. Yes - but: SIL is a high school teacher. I think about a friend of mine who doesn't have kids - shes's a 2nd grade teacher and she is well versed in all the shows that age group watches. It wouldn't be a stretch to believe a high school teacher is very well versed in bitcoin and the "assumption" that it is a secure and anonymous way to be paid.
5) CG being stoic because of his military background. Yes, I see where this is coming from. I'm also a military veteran - but I would say for myself and anyone else I know - being emotionless with my own mother, kids, etc just wouldn't be a thing. I've also seen combat vets now in LE break down at crime scenes involving things that are too close to home. I don't see CM as being stoic in these videos. I see him being pissed off and trying to hide it. I see a man whose eyes are telling the abductor "I know who you are and I'll f**king kill you if I get my hands on you" - I'd be curious about the relationship between CM and the SIL.
6) Some food for thought: Has anyone seen ANY pictures posted with NG and the SIL? Or CG and the SIL? Do we have any evidence that the SIL was "part of the family" or close to CG or SG? Even a pic with the SIL face blurred and NG, SG, or CG in the pic as well? I haven't and I think there is a reason for that.

There is this year's Christmas photo posted early on in thread. SIL is there, one of those family p.j photo's. He also was described along with Nancy's daughter as they live very close, the ones that lend a hand to Nancy with living her best life. They've all lived very close by for decades. The only thing to seem to make it certain of SIL and Nancy's daughter, Annie, involvement in Nancy's terrible event, is the late night lights and deputies at their home, photographing etc inside their home. Light flashes, carrying a bag at the very least, out. They may of had confirmation of results on any possible evidence that was sent out for DNA, phone calls. IMO

 

[Sadi]

Ok, I get this but wouldn't FBI be overseeing what was going on to ensure a seal tight case? Wouldn't FBI personnel accompany local LE? That is why I'm under the impression FBI is in charge and sheriff's office is doing their own thing.

This is what I was thinking too and why I asked the question, but you said it so much better than I did. Thank you

 

[Emerald1328]

I have a comment. If I take an Uber to a spot, I'm normally going to take it back as well. Normally. No need to blast me. Either you are comfortable with Uber or you aren't. That's just me. My opinion. If I take it there, im taking it back. If I was concerned for safety, well they already know my address, they picked me up earlier. It doesnt add up to me, thats all. Just me. I get it.

If I’m taking an Uber someplace but then have a free ride back, I’m totally taking the free ride instead of spending more money on a car ride with a stranger where I have to sit in uncomfortable silence or make small talk.

 

[MassGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2020532730115792994

 

[SaraSmile]

Sounds like so much is going on behind the scenes and what is being released to public is minimal. I wonder if there has been proof of life and info not released to public.

Based on the 3 kids video yesterday, SG’s tone, I believe there has not been proof of life.

 

[forgetmenot]

We presume close family members, specifically AG and SIL, were interviewed repeatedly since the start of this investigation. As their residence was again visited late last night, in my mind these two stand out. This morning some media source (can’t recall which) reported that SIL has been quite removed from this situation, perhaps even uncooperative. Anyone else hear that? At what point is polygraph testing utilized, if it is even used these days?
Of course, MOO.

 

[Aquabot13]

I have a comment. If I take an Uber to a spot, I'm normally going to take it back as well. Normally. No need to blast me. Either you are comfortable with Uber or you aren't. That's just me. My opinion. If I take it there, im taking it back. If I was concerned for safety, well they already know my address, they picked me up earlier. It doesnt add up to me, thats all. Just me. I get it.

We actually just had this scenario with my elderly grandmother who doesn't drive. We sent a car to pick her up, but when it was time for her to go home there were no Uber blacks available. I ended up driving her home - it was a much further distance than AG to NG, but still.

Maybe worth noting - I only put my older relatives in uber black, where there's an additional background check/nicer cars/professional drivers (almost like a limo). It works great most of the time, but the pool of uber blacks is much smaller than the pool of normal Ubers. If you're not in an urban setting, uber blacks can be few and far between. Maybe they just realized it was going to be a 30min wait for an uber black and they could drop NG off and be back home before the uber would even arrive.

I also do agree with most here that it's a nice thing to do to drive someone yourself. Maybe AG/TC couldn't pick her up for whatever reason but they could drive her home. Could just be schedules.

MOO

 

[SMK777]

clearly we won't hear the 911 calls but is it confirmed the call came from AG?

I actually don't know about the initial 911 call to report NG missing. But I was responding to a poster 's question about what might AG NOT report her husband if he did something and she is innocent.. .

 

[stmichael]

'The fiends who claim they have kidnapped Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy are demanding $6 million in Bitcoin, a local TV station revealed.

“Multiple ransom notes have been sent out to the media, including one that was sent to us,” JJ McKinney from Tucson ABC affiliate KGUN9 reported.

“In the letter, the potential kidnappers demanded that the Guthries pay them $6 million before this Monday.”

Staggering Nancy Guthrie ransom demand amount revealed by local TV station

The alleged captors threatened the elder Guthrie’s life if the deadline – set for 5 p.m. local time – wasn’t met, the outlet reported.

nypost.com

Yep I posted this up-thread but just to add, the kidnappers are allegedly threatening to kill her if the 5pm Monday deadline is not met. That explicit escalation was there this time.

 

[browneyes]

Still no news?

 

[Izzylizzy]

Could the Circle K being checked be because the perp stopped there before NG's place or WITH her possibly in the car afterwards? OR - could (going with my theory) the SIL have been there that night and that particular Circle K would place him in the vicinity of NG vs his own home or where he was supposed to be?
I don't see why Circle K would report just some random man or some random car since the media isn't reporting any specfic car or suspect to report. It makes me think a traffic camera caught AG car at the intersection and LE needed tape pulled to see who was driving the car

Not an approved source

Not an approved source

 

[bluevioletfour]

Something like this.
??

The UFED (Universal Forensics Extraction Device)

Cellebrite UFED - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

On a recent Nancy Grace podcast, the Cellebrite was discussed.

 

[minazoe]

questions?

Has AG or her husband ever been physically violent with family members?
Does he or she have any psychiatric problems?
Does he or she have a boyfriend/girlfriend outside of her marriage?

this is a very weird situation and I don't feel like there was an accidental"killing" of Nancy, but it could be. What pulls me away from this theory is the level of perfection in the staging, minimal yet clean staging. It feels like it was thought out well in advance.

my thought is the staging is too minimal and that's why they don't believe the kidnap is real.

now, who , why , when and what? and they made that ransom video I am sure to watch AG's body language and reactions.

mOO

 

[Emerald1328]

Do we know that he was at home that evening?

Good point, I’m not sure! I would think he would still have some valuable information, like if his family was in financial trouble (no matter how well parents try to hide that from their kids, the kids still know about it in general, IMO), or would know or have an opinion on if there was any animosity in the family. That type of information would still be important in their investigation, but it might not produce as immediate of results as if he had some knowledge about something actually happening to her.