A former NYPD hostage negotiator has offered a chilling assessment of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, suggesting that the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie was likely taken by multiple people. Wallace Zeins, who handled high-stakes abductions for years, said Nancy’s physical condition—limited mobility, health issues, and waking in the middle of the night—makes a solo abduction highly improbable.
Nancy was last seen Saturday evening, January 31, after dinner with Savannah’s sister, Annie, who dropped her off at home around 9:30 p.m. By Sunday morning, concern grew when she missed church, and she was officially reported missing by noon. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that Nancy is mentally sharp and does not wander on her own, ruling out voluntary absence.
Investigators discovered Nancy’s Apple Watch at her home and noted her pacemaker stopped syncing around 2:00 a.m. Blood traces outside her door have been recorded, though police have not confirmed ownership. Multiple alleged ransom notes demanding Bitcoin were sent to local media outlets, reportedly including details from inside the home, though authorities have not verified them. Experts note that the perpetrators may be digitally savvy, and handwritten notes could yield DNA evidence.
The search has intensified near her Tucson residence, with police helicopters conducting grid searches across the surrounding desert. Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from professional commitments to focus on her family and issued a tearful Instagram plea, saying the family is “ready to talk” and urging anyone with information to contact authorities. The FBI has offered $2,500 for tips leading to Nancy’s safe return, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of this unfolding investigation.
