Authorities are searching the roof of Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home after a neighbor’s observation provided a critical new direction in the investigation into the 84-year-old’s disappearance. The mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, and evidence suggests she was taken from her home against her will.
What is the Case?
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing after failing to attend a church event on Sunday, February 1. Law enforcement believes she was abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson between the night of January 31 and early February 1. Evidence includes her disabled home security system, a severed pacemaker connection, and her blood confirmed via DNA on her porch.
What does the Neighbor’s Roof Revealed?
Neighbor Laura Gargano alerted investigators after viewing aerial footage of Guthrie’s home on television. She noted the roof appeared unusually clean despite recent heavy rains that typically leave roofs dirtier. “You see how white her roof is,” Gargano told CNN. This tip prompted the FBI to inspect the roof on Friday, where agents removed what appeared to be a wired camera device. Gargano suggested police check if the roof had been recently recoated, potentially altering evidence.
What are the Latest Developments in the Search?
The investigation’s seventh day on February 7 saw multiple developments. Authorities seized a blue Subaru SUV from Guthrie’s garage on Friday. They are also investigating a second possible ransom message sent to an Arizona news outlet. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated, “What I believe is that Nancy was removed from her home against her will… She’s still alive.” Separately, a Los Angeles man, Derrick Callella, appeared in court accused of sending fraudulent ransom texts to family members; officials say his actions are unrelated to the primary ransom messages demanding bitcoin.
Donald Trump on the Case
President Donald Trump hinted on Friday that investigators may be nearing a breakthrough. “We have some clues that I think are very strong, and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. When asked if authorities had identified a suspect, he replied, “Yeah. Could be definitive.”
Complete Timeline of Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case
January 31 – February 1: Guthrie is believed to have been abducted from her Catalina Foothills home.
February 1: She is reported missing after not attending church.
February 6 (Morning): Authorities confirm they are investigating alleged ransom notes sent to media demanding payment in Bitcoin.
February 6 (Afternoon): Neighbor Laura Gargano’s roof observation prompts FBI search. A blue Subaru SUV is seized from Guthrie’s garage.
February 6 (Evening): A second possible ransom message is sent to Arizona’s KOLD 13 News at 11:45 a.m., now under investigation.
February 6 (Evening): President Donald Trump hints at strong clues, saying answers could come “fairly soon.”
February 7: The search enters its seventh day. In a separate case, Los Angeles man Derrick Callella appears in court accused of sending fake ransom texts to Guthrie’s family; officials stress this is unrelated to the primary Bitcoin ransom messages.
Ongoing: Sheriff Nanos expresses frustration that Guthrie’s doorbell camera footage is unavailable due to an inactive subscription, despite the device recording movement after being disconnected.
