Nancy Guthrie Update: Ex-FBI Agent Says Suspect’s Backpack Provides Clue

A former FBI agent says the backpack seen worn by an armed, masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep in surveillance video captured on the night she disappeared might provide a clue.

Jennifer Coffindaffer said on X that the backpack is likely a relatively low-cost Ozark Trail Hiker Backpack, which is available at Walmart from about $11.

She said that indicates “this was a low budget operation and not professional, just planned.”

Guthrie has been missing for over a week. Authorities say they believe she was taken against her will after being last seen at her home near Tucson on January 31. DNA tests showed blood on her porch was hers, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

A surveillance photo released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI shows a potential subject in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. | Pima County Sheriff’s Department

Why It Matters

Investigators hope that surveillance images of a masked man on Nancy Guthrie’s porch will bring tips from the public to help solve her suspected abduction. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 and reported missing February 1.

What To Know

Black-and-white surveillance footage released by the FBI on Tuesday showing the masked person trying to cover a doorbell camera on Guthrie’s porch marked the first significant break in the case.

Savannah Guthrie posted stills from the footage on social media on Wednesday, writing “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.”

On Tuesday, authorities said they had stopped a man near the U.S.-Mexico border, just hours after the FBI released videos of a person wearing a gun holster, ski mask and backpack and approaching Guthrie’s home.

The man told media outlets early on Wednesday that he was released after several hours and had nothing to do with Guthrie’s disappearance.

Authorities have not said what led them to stop the man Tuesday but confirmed he was released.

It is not known whether the ransom notes demanding money with deadlines that have already passed were authentic, and whether the family has had any contact with whoever took Guthrie.

TMZ reported on Wednesday that it received a message from someone saying they would reveal the kidnapper’s identity for one bitcoin. The sender claimed to have tried unsuccessfully to reach Savannah Guthrie and her siblings before contacting the outlet.

In a video posted on social media on Saturday, the Today show host said the family “‘will pay” for her mother’s return.

What People Are Saying

Savannah Guthrie wrote on Instagram alongside the surveillance video: “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”

FBI Phoenix field office said in a statement posted on X on Wednesday: “This morning, numerous FBI agents are conducting an extensive search along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills area related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. We are asking the media and motorists to follow all traffic laws and to remain especially cautious when passing law enforcement personnel on the roadways.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday: “The president encourages any American across the country with any knowledge of this suspect to please call the FBI who continue to assist state and local authorities who are leading this investigation on the ground. And once again, I will reiterate that the prayers of this entire White House are with Savannah and her family at this time.”