The FBI has engaged with Mexican authorities as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a prominent host on the “Today” show. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2024. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is leading the inquiry, which has taken a troubling turn with the emergence of alleged ransom notes.
According to various outlets, ransom notes have surfaced, one of which was sent to TMZ claiming that the 84-year-old Guthrie is being held “south of the border.” The note included a statement from an anonymous individual, stating, “I know what I saw 5 days ago south of the border and I was told to shut up so I know who he is and that was definitely Nancy with them.” This marks the second communication suggesting multiple individuals may be involved in her alleged kidnapping. Another letter hinted at an international aspect, advising, “be prepared to go International.”
While the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office have not confirmed they are actively searching in Mexico, they did detain a person of interest, Carlos Palazuelos, from the border town of Rio Rico on February 10, 2024. Palazuelos, who described himself as a delivery driver in Tucson, was stopped during a traffic check. After his release, he asserted his innocence and claimed he was held against his will.
A recent development in the case involved the analysis of DNA evidence. Investigators found unknown male DNA on a glove located just two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home. Unfortunately, a search of the FBI’s database yielded no matches. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office reported, “DNA evidence from gloves found approximately 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence was submitted to CODIS & produced no matches. There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence that is also being analyzed.”
In a bid to locate Guthrie, investigators have also utilized advanced technology to detect signals from her pacemaker. Helicopters have been deployed to scan the area for a Bluetooth connection, which was lost at 2:28 a.m. on the night of her disappearance. Retired FBI agent and former Chicago police superintendent Jody Weis commented, “It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s one more thing to try and find this poor woman.”
As the investigation continues, the FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked suspect at Nancy Guthrie’s front door on the night she was taken. Described as a male approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 with an average build, this figure is now a critical focus for law enforcement.
To incentivize information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible for her disappearance, the FBI Phoenix office has increased its reward from $50,000 to $100,000.
The search continues, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind Nancy Guthrie’s troubling disappearance. If anyone has information related to this case, they are urged to contact the authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.
