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

[shadowsc]

Something about SG’s latest Instagram appeal is odd. This is not designed as a criticism of her personally, but from a purely practical, “what would be the most effective appeal?” perspective.

If the goal is to generate new information, I’m not convinced Instagram is the strongest channel:

1. Her audience likely skews toward major urban areas and national media markets (e.g. New York, California), rather than the specific local area where relevant sightings or information are most likely to come from.

2. There is risk with a mass-audience appeal that it produces a large volume of speculative responses, thereby diluting useful tips and make triage harder for law enforcement.

3. The appeal does not seem to be directed at specific groups who are statistically more likely to have seen something. For example local residents, drivers, delivery workers, neighbours, or people travelling through the immediate area at relevant times.

4. Instagram’s algorithm prioritises engagement. So posts end up circulating more widely based on likes and shares but not necessarily geographic relevance.

5. It seems well intentioned but kind of pointless in a way - as has been pointed out, we haven't even been told what NG was wearing on the day she was abducted and SG hasn't elaborated - so how is anyone meant to spot her without basic details?

Would a more effective approach be to do outreach through regional news outlets, if this is a genuine appeal for information?

I'm not trying to suggest there is some strategy happening with this post, or that the appeal is fake. It just strikes me as not particularly effective and to be honest - a bit bizarre - a nationwide anchor asking millions of followers if they saw something strange to report it?

Just my personal observation, trying to look at this logically rather than emotionally.

I do think at this point, SG's instagram posts are getting amplified everywhere - other journalists, news stations, entertainment channels, twitter or X or whatever it's called now, insta, Facebook, social media, and beyond. Reaching people who don't typically follow true crime or social media.

So I do think just by posting on her account, it's instantly getting blasted out everywhere. Who knows what kind of DM's the account is receiving. That said, I totally agree with you that it's kind of a hollow message. It makes it seem like they truly have nothing to go on, so it's just a desperate attempt. But, it seems in line with other cases, where LE has said look for things like someone doesn't show up for work for a few days, odd interactions with people that don't feel right, etc. I don't know. It's a stretch for sure.

 

[Vegasgrl]

They could offer something (a memory, a nickname) only Nancy would know.

That’s what I guess was happening with the last message. But, it doesn’t prove current proof of life, because they could have extracted that days before.

 

[cady]

I just have to scroll and roll with all the movie references and past case comparisons. Every case is unique. And this one is particularly confusing. There is no theme. JMO

 

[Jenny9]

From the clip: Brian and other reporters haven't been able to find a warrant for the searches that took place at AG's house.

I read it was of consent, so no warrant needed

 

[MCB1151]

Two videos with SG and siblings. One solo video with brother alone and now SG’s solo video. I’m wondering if SIL or AG are not involved, could it be individuals connected to either one of them?

But see, this is what I just mentioned in a post that was like 8 minutes ago but probably 4 pages back now lol There are strategies to everything, especially with the FBI assisting the family with videos. I mentioned that just SG appearing alone could have a perp who is NOT SIL thinking that SG has now broken from the siblings so suspicion must be directed more at SIL now and could make a dumb move. Alternately, SG deciding to do a video alone may potentially disturb SIL & AG if they are involved. Everything and nothing could mean everything and nothing.

 

[birdbox]

I'm sorry, could you explain your answer as it relates to my post? Thanks

Oh sorry!! Not sure how it got there!!

 

[SMK777]

I keep changing my mind about this case.

Maybe there really has been an abduction.

There was a very odd case in my country in 2007. A plot to abduct and unalive a famous pop star reached its final stages. Many people thought the story was BS at the time, but then criminals were found and received lengthy jail sentences.

And in 2023, there was a plot to abduct and unalive a morning show anchor. It was a real plot and the plotter received a significant jail sentence.

These things do happen unfortunately.

Right, so many twists and turns that I don't know where I should firmly stand.
Time will tell all...

 

[mikeshanty]

The only thing inbound accept is a private moment recalled by my mom one that might be very specific and not knows to my siblings and one thst iasked the question to my mom. Like what happened thst one time before my tounament with the Emergency medial issue? Like my mom responding your front tooth cracked before your tounament and I got my densit friend to fix it after hours. Im still alive.

That isn't proof of life though? NG could have told them that a week ago and no longer be around? It's the classic "hold up a copy of today's newspaper" solution I think, or maybe they send a video of Nancy watching SG's latest video?

 

[cathathorse]

It seems obvious to me that the FBI was able to trace through all the layers of the VPN that the ransom note sender used and determined that the ransom note was not legitimate, likely because the sender is located overseas. Therefore, SG is not going to pay the ransom.

The Sheriff botched this case early on-- I think this was on Sunday or Monday of last week-- he was speaking off the cuff and said something like, "this could be a kidnapping." Media outlets picked that up and ran with it. Then some psychopathic opportunist overseas decided he'd send a ransom note and hope for the best (money deposited into his bitcoin account). The supposed inside information he had could have been gleaned from early media reporters (one did report a broken flood light on Monday) or from Nancy's own facebook account, where she has posted pictures from inside her house from over the years.

 

[tbgo]

Has the FBI taken over the investigation or is it mainly local again? I keep reading different things.

 

[Donswife48]

Two videos with SG and siblings. One solo video with brother alone and now SG’s solo video. I’m wondering if SIL or AG are not involved, could it be individuals connected to either one of them?

I’ve never believed that any of the family is involved, and I’m angry of the posts that slandered people are written. Honestly, this is not a game of clue but of real life gut wrenching reality. Websluthers would bounce ideas of how to help solve, instead of this social media free for all of opinions and bashing.

 

[birdbox]

I do think at this point, SG's instagram posts are getting amplified everywhere - other journalists, news stations, entertainment channels, twitter or X or whatever it's called now, insta, Facebook, social media, and beyond. Reaching people who don't typically follow true crime or social media.

So I do think just by posting on her account, it's instantly getting blasted out everywhere. Who knows what kind of DM's the account is receiving. That said, I totally agree with you that it's kind of a hollow message. It makes it seem like they truly have nothing to go on, so it's just a desperate attempt. But, it seems in line with other cases, where LE has said look for things like someone doesn't show up for work for a few days, odd interactions with people that don't feel right, etc. I don't know. It's a stretch for sure.

1.Instagram is a strong appeal as far as many people have varying cable packages or none at all. Most everyone has IG these days. 2. If she suspects international like her mom is in Mexico, going on an American news channel would make less sense.

 

[tbgo]

That’s what I guess was happening with the last message. But, it doesn’t prove current proof of life, because they could have extracted that days before.

Very true but it would confirm that the ransom wasn’t a hoax. They do want her body.

 

[Leilei]

There is a reason SG is alone in this last video, and that she appears like "herself", (to the public eye), and with direct eye contact. I can't speculate on the reason, but like some others here I sense an undertone of ....something....wrath? more than frustration and desperation, which are also preent.

They do say that one of the stages of grief is anger, and even though NG may still be alive (fingers and toes crossed), SG is probably experiencing all of those stages, because she has very much "lost" her mother.
So yes, she's big mad, and rightfully so.
IMO.

 

[jellybean96]

I am pretty firm in the 'not abducted' camp. I am also thinking she is no longer alive nor has she been since the night she disappeared.

 

[Cassie P]

Something about SG’s latest Instagram appeal is odd. This is not designed as a criticism of her personally, but from a purely practical, “what would be the most effective appeal?” perspective.

It feels like desperation. It is the only thing left to do. Make a public appeal for help.

 

[MassGuy]

Good points made here about this whole kidnapping thing, being suspicious.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2020974135602561024

 

[Sharonuk]

I wonder when the subscription on the nest cameras lapsed, has that been mentioned. Was she still bringing the doorbell cam in to charge? Were family still checking in on her using the cameras although they were not recording to the cloud? This is unbearably sad.

 

[mikeshanty]

It feels like desperation. It is the only thing left to do. Make a public appeal for help.

Yes I agree. It just "feels" off as it seems like she is getting ahead of LE who have been completely quiet?

 

[allboys]

What would constitute "proof of life" for the kidnappers to send? A photo could be faked with AI. A voice message could also possibly be faked if they had samples of her speaking.

The only thing I can think of is SG making a post directed to (alleged) kidnappers and asking a question that only NG would know, and asking for a quick answer via the same way the other letters came in. But we haven’t seen that happen.