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

[stmichael]

A bite light leaves both hands free to disable security cameras...

And a great way to transfer saliva DNA after all that apparent PPE attempt.

A headband light would have been much more efficient (which is why you see it used more commonly than an awkward bite light), as would about a dozen other choices he made in gear and method.

 

[Mistermagoo]

if you recall, a tip that was actually crucial in the Abie and Libby case, was misfiled and it took some one years later reviewing, to find it... https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/28/us/delphi-murders-richard-allen-case#:~:text=Then a volunteer found a file with an interesting piece of information,-By Zoe Sottile&text=For five years after two,it was rediscovered by chance.
so they better not throw anything out.... IMO

I do recall that. Even more, nobody came out and said they recognized him at all, I know the video was grainy but i think he is way more recognizable than what we have to work with here, eyes and a mouth.

 

[Toodles5000]

I'm interested in the bite light/mouth flashlight, the presumed kidnapper in the video, had in his mouth. Are they all that common? I have been looking around out of curiosity and can't seem to find anything like that--not on Amazon or Walmart. Interesting that he chose something like that and not one of those flashlights that fit onto your headI’ve wondered this too. I had never heard of a bite light before and it seems awkward to me. My husband is a mechanic and he uses a headlamp, he said never seen anyone use a bite lamp. We even have a few headlamps laying around that we both use when the jigsaw puzzle bug bites us.

I am flummoxed by the bite lamp. I’d never heard of it before and it seems awkward to me. You couldn’t speak to anyone (at least, not very clearly) while using one, for starters.

My husband is a mechanic and has always used a headlamp. We have some in the house for using while doing jigsaw puzzles, or for when the electricity goes out.

Here’s an ozark trail headlamp at Wal Mart.

Ozark Trail 500 Lumen LED Headlamp – Multi-Color, Lightweight, Water Resistant, 4 Modes, 3 AAA Batteries Included – Gray/Orange - Walmart.com

Buy Ozark Trail 500 Lumen LED Headlamp – Multi-Color, Lightweight, Water Resistant, 4 Modes, 3 AAA Batteries Included – Gray/Orange at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[hopeprayer]

BE stated in a short that he found out that the Poly's he mentioned that were recently given were not related to the case and they were for new hires to the squad.

It crossed my mind that LE may have told him that to keep them on the down low.

Sidenote: People have been given Poly's in Nancy's case as an aid to help rule them in or out.

To clarify: Brian says that the two were separate. His reference to polygraphs being used was indeed to clear people in the NG case. He said Matt Finn's tweet re: using the polygraphs for the new hires yesterday is a different thing.

Here's the link to BE's short:

 

[jeff2034]

I have never driven across the border into Mexico. Does anyone know what procedures are in place when crossing the border into Mexico? Assuming the driver is a Mexican citizen, do searches of the vehicle routine take place, especially at 4-5 in the morning? If NG was in the car alive, would she be questioned? If NG was in the trunk or under some blankets in the back of the car, would she be discovered? Just asking because I have no idea what the security measures are in place going into Mexico.

 

[GXP Sleuther]

It's fine to feel that way, but they are supposed to be cooperating with each other. The FBI is simply not capable of conducting this kind of investigation on its own, and it does not have the jurisdiction to take over a local investigation. With the federal government so heavily politicized right now, I don't think it's in anyone's interest for them to have full control of investigations like this considering that the motive could have quite possibly been political in nature. I say this as someone who believes wholeheartedly in the purpose of the federal government.

None of that is to say the local sheriff's department is doing great. I think both local LE and the FBI have dropped the ball in this case through incompetence or inexperience (hopefully not malice). Sure, they will point fingers at each other, but they ultimately both share the responsibility for the failures thus far.

BBM.
Did you mean the Pima County Sherriff's office?
The FBI has superior tools and technology than any Sherriff's office does in the entire country.

 

[LetsSolvIt]

I have never driven across the border into Mexico. Does anyone know what procedures are in place when crossing the border into Mexico? Assuming the driver is a Mexican citizen, do searches of the vehicle routine take place, especially at 4-5 in the morning? If NG was in the car alive, would she be questioned? If NG was in the trunk or under some blankets in the back of the car, would she be discovered? Just asking because I have no idea what the security measures are in place going into Mexico.

Reporter Brian Entin went to Mexico today — nothing complicated. He walked right in. I think if you watch this most of your questions will be answered. This is his podcast but he’s also with News Nation.

 

[SlimPickens]

This case has me stumped on so many levels. Is this guy really that good or just lucky? Could someone with no criminal experience pull off this kind of crime or has he simply not been convicted in the U.S.? (Hence no CODIS hit). Multiple perpetrators? Lone wolf? What kind of person has the brains to do the crypto/undetectable ransom notes and the cruelty to hurt Nancy? Since there apparently isn't any footage of Nancy being taken out of her general area, should they be looking closer to home?

And lastly, if the genealogy comes up empty, how do they solve this thing? The reward hasn't worked. Appealing to the kidnappers' conscience hasn't worked. It feels like they're running out of options.

This case is making my brain hurt. JMO.

I sit between a couple of my (admittedly amateurly derived) profiles, but with a disclaimer that people on here challenge and change my mind daily. Right now it's a toss up between:

A chronically dysphoric male, probably undiagnosed OCD, perhaps even a begrudged incel type, who is heavy on IQ and tech but (obviously) light on empathy and respect for the rights of others. Could even be a younger man in his mid-late 20s and finds his 'digital/virtual home' more comfortable and satiating than his actual brick and mortar home. Perhaps has a good job and his own home, but finds both to be boring and lacking any real thrill or purpose. The ransom money would've been his avenue to a fantasy life that he has idealized for a long time (and daydreams about). He perhaps is heavily desensitized to human tragedy due to a steady diet of 'virtual one-upsmanship' and 'shock online memes' that mock and ridicule subjects like the elderly, disabled, wealthy, poor, those suffering catastrophes/natural disasters, suicides, and everything in between. And all of that likely with increasingly graphic tone and imagery.

If this profile ends up being close, I think we'll find that his OCD was so focused on the details of not getting caught that he didn't focus enough on the practical considerations of the crime like how to maintain a hostage in order to actually get paid.

Second profile:

Current/former law enforcement or intelligence type who would know how not to get caught and know not to relinquish any element of control by engaging in negotiations of any kind. If this is the profile, he'll likely try again until he gets what he wants.

JMO.

 

[mickey2942]

I have never driven across the border into Mexico. Does anyone know what procedures are in place when crossing the border into Mexico? Assuming the driver is a Mexican citizen, do searches of the vehicle routine take place, especially at 4-5 in the morning? If NG was in the car alive, would she be questioned? If NG was in the trunk or under some blankets in the back of the car, would she be discovered? Just asking because I have no idea what the security measures are in place going into Mexico.

As long as you have the correct documents, passport, or green card (Legal Permanent Resident Card), in general, the vehicles are not searched. Unless there is a specific issue that would be noticed, such as lack of vehicle tags, lapsed registration.

It is randomized. You never know if your vehicle will be subject to higher level of scrutiny. So many vehicles cross the border every day, often for work, school, it is actually pretty routine for many people.

 

[K.jill]

Looking at a photo of a bite light almost triggers my gag reflex. Seems like it would be awkward and uncomfortable to keep in your mouth for more than a few minutes. If this person was in the house for as long as 40 minutes would he keep it in his mouth the whole time? His hands look to be so stuffed (2 pair of gloves?) that holding something smallish would be difficult.
He had to be uncomfortable, the light in his mouth and the ski mask would limit
Peripheral vision.

 

[submarine7]

I have never driven across the border into Mexico. Does anyone know what procedures are in place when crossing the border into Mexico? Assuming the driver is a Mexican citizen, do searches of the vehicle routine take place, especially at 4-5 in the morning? If NG was in the car alive, would she be questioned? If NG was in the trunk or under some blankets in the back of the car, would she be discovered? Just asking because I have no idea what the security measures are in place going into Mexico.

I've never had my car searched going in to Mexico. I absolutely could have transported a kidnapped person, provided they didn't make a scene.

 

[kevin1000]

I'm interested how you figure the perp managed to take Nancy on this off road motorbike with him.
Could you possibly elaborate on how this escape unfolded?

you are right I'm just guessing but since you are interested he would need to have had some kind of trailer like they use for children or dogs. I think the LE would have identified a vehicle entering and exiting the area by now if it was close. Besides why would you need to have a completely stuffed backpack at a crime scene if you had a car available? So maybe he silently(electric) got some distance away before getting in a vehicle big enough to hold the bike. I think offroad because of the desert and maybe there are some trails leading to secluded areas. It would also allow him to avoid all those residential ring cameras. From what I read on this forum the moon was pretty bright so it was possible even though it was night. I think walking with her in tow would be too slow and I can't think of any other options. He is also wearing the gun like a fanny pack popular with bikers and to me it looks like he may have been wearing goggles earlier. But this is only my opinion. BTW If this is the case, he must have scouted the route beforehand.

 

[Friday Fan]

Reporter Brian Entin went to Mexico today — nothing complicated. He walked right in. I think if you watch this most of your questions will be answered. This is his podcast but he’s also with News Nation.

So he got back in the US w/o a passport? That's why the changes were made 15 years ago!

 

[acutename]

I just watched a portion of a YouTube video about Dan Brokaw praising Savannah Guthrie. I didn't watch all of it, but I don't think it had anything to do with her mom's abduction. What I found interesting is that he said SG has the mind of a prosecutor but can change gears when needed and talk about air fryers. I thought the part about the "mind of a prosecutor" was interesting and I'm sure she is putting all those thinking skills to work during this horrible situation.

ETA: JMO/IMHO/ETC

uh oh. maybe it's some one who had better LSAT scores than her but did not get into the law school of his choice.

 

[Friday Fan]

I just watched a portion of a YouTube video about Dan Brokaw praising Savannah Guthrie. I didn't watch all of it, but I don't think it had anything to do with her mom's abduction. What I found interesting is that he said SG has the mind of a prosecutor but can change gears when needed and talk about air fryers. I thought the part about the "mind of a prosecutor" was interesting and I'm sure she is putting all those thinking skills to work during this horrible situation.

ETA: JMO/IMHO/ETC

She's an attorney and used to be on Court TV.

 

[submarine7]

Everyone was so focused on the glove while there's an entire vehicle being processed. SMH. MOO.

What are your thoughts on the RR or LD? You can't deny he checks some boxes at first glance. I can't think of a reason they would have the car this long that doesn't indicate knowledge or guilt.

 

[Ellis' Mom]

What are your thoughts on the RR or LD? You can't deny he checks some boxes at first glance. I can't think of a reason they would have the car this long that doesn't indicate knowledge or guilt.

My money is on LD, no matter how much he argues his innocence. IMHO.

 

[submarine7]

My money is on LD, no matter how much he argues his innocence. IMHO.

I think there's a DNA problem or something, but I think they they must know he's connected.

 

[VegasGirl35]

What are your thoughts on the RR or LD? You can't deny he checks some boxes at first glance. I can't think of a reason they would have the car this long that doesn't indicate knowledge or guilt.

I know a lot of people are convinced he looks like Porch Guy, but I think the face shape and lips are off. Granted, we all seem to have different opinions. Some people still think it's a woman. My spidey senses tell me the Range was the real focus rather than LD, and the key is whoever had possession/access to it at the time of the abduction. JMO.

 

[kevin1000]

This case has me stumped on so many levels. Is this guy really that good or just lucky? Could someone with no criminal experience pull off this kind of crime or has he simply not been convicted in the U.S.? (Hence no CODIS hit). Multiple perpetrators? Lone wolf? What kind of person has the brains to do the crypto/undetectable ransom notes and the cruelty to hurt Nancy? Since there apparently isn't any footage of Nancy being taken out of her general area, should they be looking closer to home?

And lastly, if the genealogy comes up empty, how do they solve this thing? The reward hasn't worked. Appealing to the kidnappers' conscience hasn't worked. It feels like they're running out of options.

This case is making my brain hurt. JMO.

My brain is hurting too but this guy must be better than good to elude the FBI for this length of time. My bet is he has not been convicted and is a lone wolf. My guess is he also would not trust anyone else for such a scheme. I think he wants to hurt SG more than get the money. He obviously loves the attention. The cryto and undetectable ransom notes would indicate a computer expert maybe hacker. I think the familial DNA angle will frighten this guy so there are still options.