New Evidence Suggests Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Suspect Made a Crucial Mistake – Latest Update

The mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie was abducted from her home, triggering a major search effort and emotional pleas from loved ones.

An expert has now weighed in, saying the person suspected of kidnapping Nancy Guthrie may have made a major mistake during the break-in at the Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1. Police are intensely analyzing evidence in a race to track down whoever was responsible for the kidnapping.

Nancy Guthrie, from a post dated December 20, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Savannah Guthrie

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jon Edward are actively working on the investigation into Nancy's case. On Tuesday, February 10, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared previously unreleased images and video captured by a Nest camera positioned near Nancy's front door.

The footage showed a disguised suspect interfering with the device before disconnecting it and taking it away. Investigators believe the suspect may have assumed any recorded footage would be erased once the camera was unplugged.

The suspect believed to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, from a post dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie

He may have also thought that it would be impossible to recover the recorded footage since Nancy did not have a Nest subscription. However, that assumption, a mistake on his part, appears to have been wrong.

Private investigator Andy Kay later explained how authorities were likely still able to retrieve the footage. "The cameras will record to the servers as long as they have internet. According to Nest, without a subscription, usually they are quickly overwritten by next images. But if the camera is disconnected, there should be nothing to overwrite on the server," the Kay & Associates founder said.

The suspect believed to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, from a post dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie

In simple terms, without a subscription, the system works like a live feed sent to the server, where new images replace older ones. But because the suspect disconnected the camera, the final image sent before that happened remained stored on the server, making recovery possible.

Andy described the suspect — whose weapon appeared to be incorrectly holstered on their pants — as a "rookie." The newly released images and clips show an unidentified masked and armed person carrying a backpack while approaching Nancy's front door and adjusting the camera.

The suspect believed to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, from a post dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie

At one point, the individual turned back, grabbed foliage from the ground, and tried using it to cover the camera. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department released a statement alongside the images saying that, while working with their partners, law enforcement had uncovered previously inaccessible images.

They added that the footage shows an armed individual who appeared to have tampered with the camera at Nancy's front door on the morning of her disappearance. The footage was recovered from residual data found in backend systems.

Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, speaks to the media in Tucson, Arizona on February 3, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

Savannah Guthrie took to Instagram shortly after the images and videos were released, sharing the chilling footage with her followers. "Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home. We believe she is still alive," the 54-year-old pleaded.

Since the ordeal began, Savannah and her siblings — sister Annie and brother Camron Guthrie — have shared several Instagram videos pleading with their mother's captor and agreeing to pay for her return after receiving ransom demands.

Now, as the investigation progresses, a man was briefly detained by Pima County Sheriff's deputies on suspicion of kidnapping Nancy but was later released. He spoke to reporters outside his house in Rio Rico, Arizona, after his release.

Authorities confirmed that the man was stopped during a traffic stop south of Tucson, and law enforcement also reportedly searched a location connected to him. In the interview, the man, who identified himself as Carlos, said he was held at the scene of the initial traffic stop for several hours.

Carlos, from a post dated February 11, 2026 | Source: X/AFGutierrez

He explained that officers did not clarify the situation until detectives arrived, at which point he was informed he was being detained for kidnapping. He recalled asking them, "Kidnapping of who?"

Carlos told authorities that he works in Tucson for GLS and may have delivered a package to Nancy's home, but insisted he never kidnapped anyone. He also said he had never heard of Nancy until the arrest. Law enforcement ultimately released him due to insufficient evidence.

Carlos, from a post dated February 11, 2026 | Source: X/AFGutierrez

Reactions poured in after the man said he was stopped by police and wrongly accused of kidnapping Nancy. One stunned viewer exclaimed, "Oh my god, this is bad. Really, really, really bad look for the FBI." Elsewhere, someone tried to weigh his demeanor during the statement, saying, "I don't know. He seemed honest in his answers."

Another voice focused on the personal fallout, writing, "Man I feel so sorry for him and his in-laws. What a shock!!" Not everyone knew what to make of the situation, with one person noting, "This us [sic] a weird turn of events 👀."

Amid the seriousness of the case, an unusual incident occurred when a Domino's delivery driver walked up to Nancy Guthrie's compound attempting to deliver a pizza. He was recorded on video leaving the property. It is believed the delivery was intended for someone in the media stationed along the street.

Following the incident, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement, saying, "We can't believe we have to say this, but media on scene: please do not order food delivery to a crime scene address. This interferes with an active investigation. Please also respect private property laws. Thank you."

Now, a clearer timeline of events since Nancy's disappearance is beginning to take shape. As previously reported, Annie was first believed to be the last person to see their mother — a detail that shaped the early stages of the fast-moving investigation.

Sheriff Chris said Nancy had been dropped off at her home between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, after spending the evening having dinner with family.

Chris Nanos addresses reporters as investigators provide updates on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, on February 3, 2026 | Source: Getty Images

At first, investigators believed Annie was the one who brought her mother home that night, a detail that seemed straightforward — until it wasn't. New reports later revealed that it was not Annie who dropped Nancy off, but Annie's husband, Tommaso Cioni. That development has added a troubling new layer of scrutiny to the case.

The revelation has shifted attention and raised questions as authorities continue piecing together Nancy's final known hours. Tommaso and Annie were photographed for the first time recently since Nancy was reported missing. However, their body language spoke volumes.

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie on NBC's "Today" show on June 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

In images obtained by Page Six, the couple appeared to avoid attention while leaving their Tucson residence. Annie wore a pink hoodie pulled tightly over her face, while Tommaso concealed his own features with a sweatshirt and dark sunglasses — a visual that only deepened the air of unease surrounding the case.

Nancy was reported missing on February 1, the following morning, when she failed to appear for church. Her absence immediately alarmed her loved ones.

Savannah Guthrie and mom Nancy, are with Jenna Bush Hager on an episode of "Today" show on April 17, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Family members went to her home to check on her — and what they found was enough to prompt a frantic 911 call. Inside, there were disturbing signs of a struggle, and authorities later confirmed that blood was found within the residence.

Her home, located in the usually tranquil Catalina Foothills area, was swiftly declared a crime scene, with evidence of forced entry sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Chris Nanos speaks during a news conference about the search for Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, on February 3, 2026 | Source: Getty Images

As the mystery surrounding Nancy's disappearance deepens, the case has now drawn the attention of the nation's highest office. President Donald Trump called Savannah a day after he publicly offered federal assistance in the search for her missing mother.

A White House official confirmed the call but declined to provide further details about the conversation. Despite their well-documented clashes during the 2020 campaign, the President expressed sympathy for the family's ordeal.

President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing in the Oval Office of the White House on February 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

"I think it's terrible," the President said. "Very unusual situation, but we're going to find out." He added that he had always "got along very good with Savannah," despite their past disagreements — a striking show of unity amid a personal crisis.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to pursue multiple angles in search of Nancy. Police confirmed signs of forced entry and a violent struggle inside the residence, along with biological evidence linked to Nancy.

Savannah Guthrie appears on "Fox & Friends" during a visit to promote her book in New York City on February 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Sheriff Chris reiterated that the case is being handled as a criminal investigation, not a missing-persons search. "Somebody came into that home, and I believe took her out there without her permission. It was against her will," he said.

Sources familiar with the investigation told The Post that detectives are narrowing their focus to individuals known to the Guthrie family — a shift that has raised fresh alarm.

At the same time, ransom notes demanding millions in bitcoin have surfaced, including messages sent to media outlets and to Savannah. Officials are still weighing whether the crime was financially motivated or driven by something far more personal.

Some of the messages reportedly referenced details consistent with elements of the crime scene. The FBI has stepped in to assist with analyzing the communications — a move that signals just how serious and complex the case has become.

Tensions escalated further after journalist Ashleigh Banfield cited an unnamed law enforcement source who allegedly named Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommaso, as a possible suspect.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department quickly pushed back, stating, "We have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case," while emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities also denied Ashleigh's claim that a vehicle connected to Tommaso had been seized, saying they were "unsure where that reporter is getting that information."

Adding yet another troubling layer, a neighbor reported seeing a suspicious man trespassing near Nancy's neighborhood several weeks before her disappearance. The incident occurred less than 10 minutes from her home and has since been forwarded to detectives for further review.

A sign is posted at the house of Nancy Guthrie on February 3, 2026 | Source: Getty Images

As the search continues, the normally serene Catalina Foothills community is reeling. Residents describe a neighborhood frozen in fear and disbelief following the sudden disappearance of Nancy.

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie posing closely together outdoors, smiling warmly at the camera, from a post dated March 26, 2021. | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie

"We're in shock," said Jeff Lamie, a 59-year-old neighbor who has lived in the area for years. "This is really shocking. We just hope that she returns safely."

Jeff added that the church was "a big part of her life," and a place where she was known and cherished. Neighbors recall her as a vibrant, familiar presence. "She was active. We would see her driving," he continued. "She seemed engaged. We'd see her in the front yard, and she seemed very happy."

As prayers continue and residents double-check security cameras and coordinate with neighborhood watch groups, the emotional toll is unmistakable.