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

[cathathorse]

These things can't be stressed enough. It is a bit of a perfect storm.

Ring's Jamie Siminoff recently got a lot of flack for saying this case would be solved if NG had more cameras, but he's not wrong in that if she had real layers of security it would be much harder to abduct her, and there likely would be more evidence.

I often compare to my own set up which is a similar neighborhood (though wood and larger lots) and we use bright flood lights so that IR recording isn't an issue. We have redundant layers, POE CCTV cameras and Wifi cams, so that jamming or internet isn't an issue. We have active deterrent alerts on the cameras, and flood light are programmed to kick on when any motion detection goes on in a zone--lights up anyone there and records in clear daylight conditions. No blind spots, every approach angle covered, some areas co-witnessed, cameras extending 100 feet to the front of the house for detection upon approach, and may other layers of security on the home itself.

A low light ordinance and set up like NG's would make me feel inadequately invulnerable and I probably don't have the budget the Guthries could spend. Security is a choice and then you have to follow it with protocols and PERSEC.

This is more of a general comment and not a direct response to the poster above but it made me think: What did people do before cameras were so easily available? I think we've gotten a bit paranoid. My cousin has the most annoying Ring floodlight that says "You are now being recorded" in the most annoying, loud voice every time someone walks in front of his house. He doesn't live in an unsafe area or out on secluded property... his next door neighbors are like 15 feet from from him on either side. I think there are good things about security cameras and systems and apps like NextDoor but I also think they can lead to paranoia. My Aunt just moved to the area I live in (a safe suburb) from another state where she lived in a very safe suburb and she asked me if we had gangs in the area because of something she read on NextDoor. There are no gangs where I live, in a well-off suburb where the police will respond to a lost dog in under 3 minutes, so it's just crazy to me that anyone would ever think something like that.

And to the point above about redundant security systems-- do you have backup power and internet in case someone were to cut your electricity or internet cables at a point upstream from your property?

 

[SaraSmile]

Would a home inspector be somebody that would have came to inspect her home for some reason?

Yes, before the RE sale. Usually supply a report to buyer.
That’s another great idea of possible perp.
Someone who knew of NG, but no one would quickly think of the connection. JMO

 

[stmichael]

Would a home inspector be somebody that would have came to inspect her home for some reason?

Doubtful. Usually that is the buyer's move upon an accepted offer (varies by state). Did she have an accepted offer and back out?

She did have a lot of regular workers--maybe more than the average person-- to keep that house up (pool guys, landscapers) coming and going regularly, as well as alleged recent work (roof re-coating, several man job). All of these workers would know her situation (living alone), he entry points, her security, her neighbors sight-lines, and how to navigate the neighborhood as well as other things. As I understand it the pool guys and landscapers were DNA swabbed but not sure if they covered everyone. And workers talk.

 

[Sadi]

Wonder what the FBI are asking the neighbors. There must have gotten something confirmed that either NG is in the neighborhood or the perp may live in the neighborhood. Or ? JMO

Great questions! I wonder if the neighbors are talking more to each other about this case after the FBI visits today and comparing what they know? Maybe asking about any work they had done over the past few months? Any family members staying with them? Anyone recently travelled out of town unexpectedly? Would the FBI ask them to keep their conversations confidential? I wonder what brought them back today?

 

[Onlyguessing23]

Tech question: if NG’s user name/password were known to family members for her pacemaker app, would it be possible for each LEO going door to door to install the app (say, Medtronics or whichever is appropriate) with her login information on their Apple Watches or smartphones and see if they get a hit anywhere?

 

[Vaderman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2029666501918335284

Well this is concerning given the size of the award. Someone has to have noticed their son/brother/co-worker/friend/nephew behaving differently the last month.

 

[Diddian]

Would a home inspector be somebody that would have came to inspect her home for some reason?

Sometimes people do pay to have their homes inspected to surface any issues the homeowner may wish to address before listing the home for sale.

 

[SaraSmile]

To that point, I wonder why the perp left her phone behind. Makes me think they were unaware of the pacemaker situation/app, but also it seems like another risky item to leave in the house, IMO.

Edited to add that maybe they thought taking the phone would make them more traceable. Damned if you, damned if you don't, as they say.

Right couldn’t take her phone. Perp and NG could be tracked if they had her phone on them.
JMO

 

[Cassie P]

I think you are missing my point. The perp in the NG crime might be an academic. At the least he is intellectual and schooled. He is not a drop out. He has been exposed to books and theories and literature.

I will take an exception about your categorizing of nurses They possess keen observation skills. They act quickly and decisively. It's not the snobbery of the degrees one might possess. It's not the amount of initials after ones name. It's the ability and wisdom nurses impart. .Doctors dont save your life. Nurses do. jmo

You are making my point. Nurses are not academics and more in touch with everyday realities on a practical level. This is exactly what I am saying about the perp.

 

[shonyakay]

Great questions! I wonder if the neighbors are talking more to each other about this case after the FBI visits today and comparing what they know? Maybe asking about any work they had done over the past few months? Any family members staying with them? Anyone recently travelled out of town unexpectedly? Would the FBI ask them to keep their conversations confidential? I wonder what brought them back today?

Maybe a re-canvass of neighbor's? Maybe there are ones they missed that might not have been home at the time of previous canvasses?

 

[JustATech]

Tech question: if NG’s user name/password were known to family members for her pacemaker app, would it be possible for each LEO going door to door to install the app (say, Medtronics or whichever is appropriate) with her login information on their Apple Watches or smartphones and see if they get a hit anywhere?

They would probably need information specific to her device, for example the serial number, before a connection could be made. And it may be a HIPAA violation to do so, even though it would be extremely helpful.

 

[Napoli]

Well this is concerning given the size of the award. Someone has to have noticed their son/brother/co-worker/friend/nephew behaving differently the last month.

The clue has already been called in, IMO. The FBI doesnt want, "I think it's my neighbor weirdo Joe". They want clues. He was away for a few days. I saw him with blood on his sneakers etc. They said they had 15,000 tips. The name is there. . After the embarrassment of the Carlos and LD raids, LE is sulking in a corner and not acting on anything but a guy wearing a sign saying I did it. JMO

 

[GrannySheri]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2029651696939585785

 

[Cassie P]

Would a home inspector be somebody that would have came to inspect her home for some reason?

If someone made an offer on her house, and NG accepted the offer, usually the buyer hires a home inspector to look over the house, property, etc from top to bottom.

 

[Cassie P]

Yes, before the RE sale. Usually supply a report to buyer.
That’s another great idea of possible perp.
Someone who knew of NG, but no one would quickly think of the connection. JMO

Yes but would a home inspector use a plant to disconnect a camera?

 

[SaraSmile]

Tech question: if NG’s user name/password were known to family members for her pacemaker app, would it be possible for each LEO going door to door to install the app (say, Medtronics or whichever is appropriate) with her login information on their Apple Watches or smartphones and see if they get a hit anywhere?

Good idea. I’m not up on pacemaker apps, but I think I get your drift.

They have NG’s phone ( get PW from Annie if necessary), take this with them in the area where they are searching. See if pacemaker reconnects.

I think what you are asking if app can be added to other phones, take on search.

JMO

 

[Sadi]

Ok. I am 100% behind the entire Guthrie family. I have always been. I never thought they were POI etc. The world isnt poised to see if and when she comes back to NBC. There's a perp on the loose. At its core this is a family tragedy.

That being said, Why is this news? Why is this publicized? Why let the perp know where SG is? Trying to see if the perp followed her to NY? The perp is a dangerous person. Ask yourself what is to be gained by making SG's visit to NBC a publicity moment? NOT being critical. I am wondering about motivation. If there is any. There's nothing newsworthy in what was revealed. IMO JMO

I remember that you never considered any of the family as POI, I did, but only because they were the last people known to be with her. I’m glad they’ve been cleared, but I imagine it’s going to be difficult for them to get back to their normal life. I’m glad they had security cameras installed and I hope they have personal security too.

 

[Cassie P]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2029651696939585785

Maybe LE is re-canvassing to see if anything has occurred to the neighbors. Sometimes a witness doesn't initially understand that what they saw, heard, know is directly related to the crime.

 

[katydid23]

To that point, I wonder why the perp left her phone behind. Makes me think they were unaware of the pacemaker situation/app, but also it seems like another risky item to leave in the house, IMO.

Edited to add that maybe they thought taking the phone would make them more traceable. Damned if you, damned if you don't, as they say.

Would have made more sense to smash it to bits, take out the battery card and dispose of it during the exit.

 

[Serononin]

I agree, they must have some “ smarts” to pull this off so far. Maybe Academic with a Double Life

1. Academic focus.
Some academics are content to mainly associate with other academics, lazar focused, posting technical papers, expert speaker in field. Maybe even functional autism ( formerly Asperger’s). I used to live in CA Bay Area, full of these people in tech. Yes, many are diagnosed.

2. Academic plus wholesome outside activities
Others may enjoy other activities outside of academia, such as being in a band, volunteering at homeless shelter, creating artwork, lots of interests that put them in contact with non academics.
Over time, they create outside interests, they like mixing with different types.

3. Double Life. Academic with a Dark Side
Then there may be Other academics, who may enjoy the dichotomy of being a lofty high achieving academic, with impeccable credentials, great image, and ALSO,

Living a Double Life, with sneaky interest in planning a crime, maybe a private porn addiction, lots of affairs, maybe some occasional substance abuse, dark side they keep well hidden. They visit TOR and dark web places for ideas.

Besides academia, they enjoy night life, bars, street life, anonymous street “ friends”. They pick up on street techniques and thinking. They think it may be clever to commit a crime, get away with it.
They try peeping Tom, exibitionism, small theft from homes, so far successful.
These small time crimes, give them a big ego boost, a big rush.
They think they are smart at work and with crimes, thus Double Life.

In the day, they clean up, go to a high level job, are back to their upper echelon appearance.
No one close to the perp knows about the dark side of the double life.

They may be isolated, live alone, or in a caretaker role for an old parent. They come across as quirky, but very nice to old Grandma. Most people don’t put 2 + 2 together.

Just some ideas.
JMO

It's not Impossible. NG did work for the University of Arizona for many years, and she might well have maintained connections there after she retired. Plus I think SG also studied there? So it does seem within the realm of possibility that the Guthrie family are somewhat known about within the UoA community