The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Office have intensified efforts in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on February 1, 2026, from her Tucson home. In an attempt to generate credible leads, authorities released an updated description of a person of interest captured on doorbell camera footage near her residence. The individual is described as a man approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. Alongside the refined description, the reward for information leading to her safe recovery has been increased to $100,000, reflecting both the urgency of the case and the federal commitment to resolving it quickly.
Since early February, law enforcement agencies have been inundated with tips and information from the public, totaling over 13,000 submissions to the FBI and nearly 18,000 calls to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Many tips, including those from psychics or individuals offering speculative theories, have complicated efforts to prioritize actionable leads. The refined suspect description aims to filter these tips more effectively, allowing investigators to focus resources on information most likely to contribute to the safe recovery of Nancy Guthrie. Managing this large volume of unverified data has been a significant operational challenge, requiring careful verification and cross-referencing of every credible submission.
Authorities are also requesting that neighbors within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home submit any doorbell or surveillance footage captured during key dates and times in January, particularly during late evening hours. Such footage could provide critical context about the movements of people or vehicles near the residence in the days leading up to her disappearance. An unconfirmed tip involving a white van is under review, demonstrating the breadth of the investigation and the attention given to even preliminary leads. Collecting and analyzing video evidence from multiple sources is essential to creating a complete picture of potential activity around her home.
In addition to video surveillance, investigators have recovered physical evidence near Guthrie’s residence, including a glove found approximately one and a half miles from her home. The glove is currently undergoing forensic testing to determine whether it contains fingerprints, DNA, hair, or fibers that may link it to the person of interest or to Guthrie herself. This process is meticulous and time-consuming, reflecting the careful scientific approach law enforcement takes to ensure the reliability of any evidence that may be used in subsequent criminal proceedings. While the investigation continues, officials emphasize that accuracy and thoroughness are paramount.
The FBI has stressed that their primary objective is to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely. By increasing the reward and releasing a more detailed description of the suspect, authorities hope to encourage the public to provide verifiable information while discouraging distractions caused by speculation or unverified claims. The initiative underscores the delicate balance investigators must maintain: engaging community support while managing a high volume of data, ensuring fairness, and maintaining the integrity of the investigative process. It also reflects the strategic use of both public outreach and forensic science in a high-profile missing person case.
Ultimately, the updated suspect description and enhanced reward aim to focus the investigation on leads most likely to contribute to resolving the case. Law enforcement continues to analyze tips, video footage, and forensic evidence to reconstruct the events surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and provide any credible information that may help authorities. The combination of community engagement, forensic analysis, and methodical investigative work demonstrates the multi-layered strategy being employed to ensure that Guthrie is located safely and that any responsible parties are held accountable.
