A caller found a ski mask on the ground in the alley near her garage and says it looks like the same mask worn by the assailant in the Nancy Guthrie case!

Unconfirmed Scanner Chatter: Ski Mask Found in Tucson Alley Sparks Speculation in Nancy Guthrie Case

As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its twelfth day on February 12, 2026, a new rumor has ignited online discussions: a caller reportedly found a ski mask in an alley near her garage in Tucson, Arizona, claiming it resembles the one worn by the masked suspect captured on surveillance footage at Guthrie’s home. Accompanied by a video clip of police scanner audio, this claim has spread rapidly across social media, prompting questions about whether it could be a breakthrough in the high-profile abduction case. However, as of now, this remains unverified scanner traffic with no official confirmation from law enforcement, fitting into a broader pattern of misinformation and unconfirmed tips that have surrounded the investigation since the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished on January 31.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen after enjoying dinner and a game of mahjong with her daughter Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni. The couple dropped her off at her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood around 9 p.m., ensuring she was safely inside, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. The following morning, she was reported missing by family members. Blood discovered on her porch was later confirmed through DNA testing to be hers, and authorities have treated the case as an abduction from the outset, citing evidence that she was “removed against her will.” Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected at 1:47 a.m., aligning precisely with the timestamp on the recovered Nest camera footage.

The FBI’s release of surveillance images on February 10 provided the first major visual clue. Director Kash Patel announced that, through forensic recovery from backend systems, 57 seconds of black-and-white video were obtained, showing a masked figure approaching the door, armed with a handgun in an unusual front-waistband holster, wearing gloves, a fleece jacket, and a bulging backpack. The individual, described as calm and adaptive, first attempts to cover the camera with a gloved hand, then uses ripped foliage from the yard—actions that retired FBI agent John MacVeigh called indicative of premeditation but potentially inexperienced due to the “bizarre” gun placement. Body language expert Susan Constantine analyzed the footage, noting a “puffy” jawline suggesting beard hair beneath the ski mask, brown eyes, and an olive complexion.

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The ski mask itself has become a focal point. Visible in the infrared footage, it’s a standard black knit balaclava with openings for eyes and mouth, common and inexpensive, available at retailers like Walmart or Amazon. Online sleuths on platforms like Reddit’s r/MissingPersons have compared it to generic models, noting no distinctive features like logos or colors in the monochrome video. Former profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole emphasized that while the mask obscures identity, other elements like gait, build (estimated 5’10” to 6’0″), and the full backpack suggest a targeted operation rather than a random burglary.

Enter the latest claim. A video circulating on X, posted by user @iCkEdMeL, features audio purportedly from police scanner traffic: “Caller said she found a ski mask on the ground in the alley near her garage… Looks like the same mask the assailant was wearing in the Nancy Guthrie case.” The clip overlays images of Nancy Guthrie smiling, juxtaposed with the suspect’s masked face, and red text proclaiming “Matching SKI Mask Found.” The address mentioned is “100100 East 1st Avenue,” though attempts to geolocate it in Tucson yield no clear match—possibly a transcription error or redacted detail. The poster caveats: “This has NOT been confirmed by law enforcement as evidence. At this point, it is only scanner traffic.” Scanner traffic refers to publicly accessible radio communications between dispatchers and officers, often monitored by apps like Broadcastify or Citizen, which true crime enthusiasts use to track real-time developments.

This isn’t the first unverified tip in the case. Earlier, ransom notes sent to local stations included details about Guthrie’s home and clothing, but some were deemed bogus, leading to the arrest of California man Derrick Callella for posing as the abductor. Fact-checkers have labeled many viral claims as “Viet Spam”—misinformation from foreign websites amplified for engagement. In this instance, no mainstream media outlets have reported a recovered ski mask, and official updates from the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Office focus on other leads, such as a man detained in Rio Rico near the Mexico border on February 10, who was later released after questioning.

Sheriff Nanos has acknowledged hundreds of tips, including DNA evidence from the scene sent for expedited testing, but stressed that not all are viable. “We’re looking at everything,” he told reporters, but cautioned against public speculation that could hinder the probe. Experts like former FBI agent Tracy Walder warn that scanner reports can be misleading: “They’re raw, unfiltered communications—often preliminary and unconfirmed.” In this case, the caller might have seen the widely circulated footage and connected a discarded item, but without forensic analysis, it’s speculative.

Social media reactions vary. On X, users debated the mask’s commonality: “Ski masks are everywhere in winter—doesn’t mean it’s THE one,” posted one skeptic. Others urged caution: “Scanner traffic isn’t evidence—wait for official word.” Reddit threads in r/TrueCrime speculated on the alley’s location, suggesting it could be near Guthrie’s home, but no consensus emerged. One user noted: “If it’s real, why no police statement? Probably a false alarm.”

The Guthrie family remains focused on pleas for information. In a video with Savannah, Annie, and brother Camron, they addressed potential captors: “We received your message… Please return our mother.” Savannah has postponed her Olympics coverage to aid the search. Family photos depict Nancy as a vibrant grandmother, often smiling with her loved ones—a stark contrast to the current crisis.

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Speculation has also centered on family members and associates. Tommaso Cioni, Annie’s husband and a musician, has faced online scrutiny due to perceived similarities in build and facial hair to the suspect. Their home was searched twice, but no charges filed. Cioni’s former bandmate Dominic Evans, with a burglary record, has been mentioned, but debunked as a suspect. Journalist Ashleigh Banfield reported a “high-level source” labeling Cioni a “prime suspect,” but authorities deny naming anyone.

Theories abound: a targeted kidnapping for ransom, given the family’s pleas implying communications, or a robbery gone wrong, though the full backpack suggests preparation. Virtual kidnappings have been floated, but physical evidence like blood contradicts that. President Trump commented on the footage, expressing disgust and urging tips.

Investigative efforts continue: digital billboards in major cities, door-to-door canvassing, and a tip line (1-800-CALL-FBI) remain active. Guthrie’s health conditions—high blood pressure, heart issues, mobility challenges—make her situation urgent, as she requires daily medication left behind.

This ski mask claim, while intriguing, underscores the challenges of public involvement in active cases. As AI expert Kristian Hammond notes, amateur analyses often amplify noise over signal. Until confirmed, it joins the ranks of unproven rumors. The focus must remain on verified leads to bring Nancy home safely.