The FBI has shared new details about a man seen on Nancy Guthrie’s home surveillance video the morning she vanished. They describe him as being between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10, with an average build. He was also carrying a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail backpack, an exclusive brand sold at Walmart.
“We hope this updated description helps focus the tips we’re receiving,” said the FBI’s Phoenix office on social media. They’ve already gotten over 13,000 tips this month. To encourage more leads, the FBI has raised the reward for information about Guthrie from $50,000 to $100,000. She’s listed as a “vulnerable adult” since she needs medication for her heart.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has drawn national attention. She went missing on February 1 from her home near Tucson, Arizona, after failing to show up for church. The last time she was seen was the night before, when she had dinner with one of her daughters.
At first, law enforcement struggled to gather evidence from her doorbell camera due to its limitations. However, recent footage recovered shows a masked, armed man approaching her home in the early hours of her disappearance. Her three children have made emotional pleas for her safe return. They acknowledged receiving a ransom note and are willing to pay for her freedom.
A 42-year-old man from California, Derrick Callella, has been charged for sending a fake ransom message to Guthrie’s oldest daughter. At this time, no attorney has been listed for him in court records.
This case raises questions about the safety of vulnerable individuals and the urgency of community awareness. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, over 400,000 children go missing in the U.S. each year. The more people are aware of these cases, the better the chances are for safe recovery.
Social media has played a key role in spreading awareness. The hashtag #BringNancyHome has trended, with many users sharing her story and urging others to keep an eye out for any potential leads.
As the investigation continues, the FBI emphasizes the community’s involvement. The more eyes looking out, the better the odds for finding Nancy and bringing her back home safely.
