The FBI has provided a description after evaluating footage of an individual they suspect was involved in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie.
The mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of TODAY, is still missing, and the FBI along with other law enforcement agencies are diligently working to ensure her safe return.
Authorities have reported that the 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished under ‘concerning circumstances’ and was forcefully taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, sometime between January 31 and February 1.
Blood traces identified as belonging to the elderly woman were discovered near her home’s steps, and several ‘ransom notes’ were allegedly sent to key media outlets, demanding payment for her release.
After reviewing footage from a doorbell camera outside her residence, the FBI now suspects the kidnapping was carried out by a man approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in (175-177cm) tall with an average build.
They noted that he was seen carrying “a black, 25-litre ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.”
This marks the first occasion that the man depicted in the footage has been officially identified as a suspect, following the public release of the video.
Additionally, the FBI announced an increase in the reward amounting to $100,000 for any information that could help locate Guthrie.
On Tuesday (February 10), FBI director Kash Patel provided an update on the progress and ongoing efforts of the investigation teams.
He stated: “Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have collaborated closely with our private sector partners to retrieve any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that might have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to various reasons, including the removal of recording devices.
“The video was recovered from residual data in backend systems.”
“Collaborating with our partners, as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed person appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning she vanished.”
Since February 1, the FBI has reported receiving over 13,000 tips regarding the case, including 4,000 within 24 hours of releasing the doorbell camera footage.
The FBI urges anyone with information or leads to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, in addition to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.