More than 13,000 tips flood in as FBI expands the Nancy Guthrie search

TUCSON, Ariz. — Federal investigators said more than 13,000 tips have poured in since the reported disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, prompting the FBI and local authorities to widen their canvass for surveillance footage and renew public appeals for information as the case draws national attention.

Guthrie, 84, was reported missing Feb. 1 in the Tucson area, and investigators have since focused on doorbell camera video that appears to show a masked person at her home. The FBI has said a forensic review of the footage helped refine a partial description of a suspect, including an estimated height of about 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches and an “average build,” along with a black backpack believed to be an Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.

Authorities have asked residents to review and submit any relevant security footage from a broader time window — from Jan. 1 through Feb. 2 — as agents work to build a clearer timeline and identify any vehicles or people who may be connected to the disappearance. The FBI has also increased the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible, officials said.

The flood of public tips has created a massive screening effort that law enforcement experts say can be both invaluable and time-consuming. Investigators typically triage calls and online submissions, looking for details that can be corroborated — such as time stamps, recognizable clothing or gear, and camera footage that can place a person or vehicle in a specific location. Officials have urged the public to continue sending leads through official channels, emphasizing that even small details can help narrow the search.

The case has also included reports of physical evidence recovered during the expanding search, though authorities have not publicly said what — if any — items have been definitively tied to the suspect seen on video. Investigators have repeatedly urged anyone in the area with doorbell cameras, security systems, or other recorded footage to check their archives and submit anything that might capture movement near Guthrie’s home or along nearby roads during the dates requested.

Guthrie’s family, including her daughter Savannah Guthrie, a “Today” show anchor, has publicly appealed for help as the search continues. The FBI and local authorities have said they remain focused on locating Nancy Guthrie and identifying anyone involved, while warning the public not to attempt to confront anyone who may resemble the suspect description.