The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has entered its second month, as investigators in Tucson, Arizona continue to chase leads surrounding the mysterious disappearance of the mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Nancy vanished from her home on February 1, launching a nationwide search effort and prompting her daughter to announce a $1,000,000 reward for any information that could help bring her home.
Authorities say the investigation remains active and evolving. Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County Sheriff’s Department, recently shared new information about a potential suspect captured on a doorbell camera the night Nancy disappeared. The footage showed a masked individual wearing a backpack and what appeared to be a gun holster while approaching the property.
Initially, investigators believed the backpack — identified as an Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — had been purchased at Walmart. That theory created hope that purchase records might quickly lead detectives to the suspect. However, Sheriff Nanos now says the situation may be more complicated than originally thought.
According to Nanos, while the backpack model itself is exclusive to Walmart, investigators have discovered it may not have been bought directly from the retailer. The item could have been resold through secondary marketplaces such as online listings or private transactions.
“That backpack new is exclusive to Walmart,” Nanos explained during an interview with NBC News. “But who’s to say someone didn’t buy it and put it on eBay? That’s what we’re looking at now.”
Because of that possibility, the investigation has widened beyond retail purchase records. Detectives are now exploring additional ways the suspect may have acquired the backpack, including resale platforms and second-hand transactions. Authorities are also still trying to identify the clothing worn by the suspect in the doorbell footage, which could offer another key piece of evidence.
Despite public frustration and scrutiny surrounding the case, Sheriff Nanos insists investigators are making progress. Speaking to reporters, he stated that law enforcement is “definitely closer” to identifying the individual or individuals responsible.
“We got a lot of intel, a lot of leads,” Nanos said. “Now it’s time to go to work.”
The case briefly intensified on February 13 when police executed a SWAT raid at the home of 37-year-old Luke Daley. Daley was detained and questioned but later released. In a recent interview, he strongly denied any involvement in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
“It’s not me,” Daley said. “I have nothing to do with this case.”
Daley acknowledged that speculation online had linked him to the masked figure seen in the security footage but insisted that internet detectives were drawing incorrect conclusions. He also expressed hope that Nancy would be found safely and said he would cooperate fully if investigators needed his help.
While detectives continue their work behind the scenes, the emotional toll on the Guthrie family has become increasingly visible. This week, Savannah Guthrie returned to her mother’s home alongside her sister Annie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni. The three visited a growing memorial outside the Tucson property, where neighbors and supporters have left flowers, yellow ribbons, and handwritten messages.
During the visit, Savannah and Annie placed flowers among the tributes and left a deeply personal handwritten note addressed to their missing mother.
“Momma, we miss you so much,” the message read in part. “Our hearts are broken. We are standing on ash, scorched earth.”
Yet even in their grief, the sisters expressed determination and hope.
“Though we are surrounded by so much darkness and uncertainty,” the note continued, “our love burns bright.”
Witnesses said the sisters approached the memorial arm-in-arm, both visibly emotional. Their quiet moment reflected the devastating uncertainty that has gripped the family since Nancy disappeared a month ago.
As investigators continue to analyze evidence and pursue new leads, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. With the substantial reward still on offer and national attention focused on the case, law enforcement remains hopeful that a crucial tip could finally provide the breakthrough needed to solve the mystery and bring Nancy Guthrie home.