Viral Claims About Nancy Guthrie Are Not Supported by Official Reports
Recent viral posts claiming that the case of Nancy Guthrie has been “closed,” that she was found dead, and that a family member was arrested are not supported by credible news reporting or official law enforcement statements.
What Authorities Have Actually Confirmed
Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Arizona woman and the mother of NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson-area home on January 31, 2026. Investigators believe she was taken from her residence during the night.
Evidence discovered at the scene — including bloodstains that matched her DNA — led authorities to treat the case as a suspected abduction rather than a voluntary disappearance.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, continue to investigate. Officers have searched surrounding neighborhoods, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed individuals connected to the case. However, as of the most recent confirmed reporting:
- No arrest has been made related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
- No suspect has been publicly identified or charged in connection with the case.
- There has been no official confirmation that she has been found.
Doorbell footage released by authorities shows a masked individual carrying a backpack near Guthrie’s home on the night she disappeared. The public search effort remains ongoing.
The Separate Federal Charge
In a separate development, federal prosecutors charged Derrick Callella, 42, of California, for allegedly sending fraudulent ransom messages to Guthrie’s family.
According to authorities, Callella sent fake bitcoin ransom demands during the ongoing investigation. Officials have stated clearly that he is not connected to the suspected kidnapping and is not believed to be involved in Guthrie’s disappearance. He was released under pretrial conditions.
How Misinformation Spread
Unverified social media posts and websites have circulated claims stating that:
- The case has been “closed”
- Nancy Guthrie was found dead
- A family member was arrested
None of these claims are backed by credible news outlets or official law enforcement announcements at this time.
Current Status
- Status: Nancy Guthrie remains missing and is presumed abducted.
- Investigation: Ongoing and being handled by multiple law enforcement agencies.
- Arrests: One individual was charged for unrelated fake ransom texts — not for harming or abducting Guthrie.
- Confirmation: There is no public confirmation that she has been found or that any suspects are in custody for her disappearance.
Authorities continue to ask the public for tips as the investigation remains active.
