Federal and local investigators are pursuing an unusual line of inquiry in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Authorities are questioning neighbors in Guthrie's Catalina Foothills neighborhood outside Tucson, Arizona, about whether they experienced any internet service disruptions on the night she vanished over a month ago.
Unusual Investigative Focus on Internet Service
Three homeowners in the quiet neighborhood told NBC News that FBI investigators and Pima County sheriff's deputies conducted door-to-door inquiries on Thursday, specifically asking residents about any glitches or interruptions to their internet service around the time of Guthrie's disappearance. Multiple people in the area had reported possible disruptions that night, according to investigators, though the homeowners questioned couldn't confirm issues as they were either away from home or asleep during the relevant timeframe.
Security Camera Anomalies and Signal Jamming Theories
Another couple living near Guthrie reported a technical issue with one of their Ring home security cameras on the night in question. Footage from the camera positioned closest to Guthrie's home was "not available," while their other Ring devices functioned normally. This has raised questions about whether the perpetrator may have used signal-jamming technology.
NewsNation reported investigators are examining whether an antenna-like device seen in the pocket of the individual captured by Guthrie's doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance could have been a signal jammer. When asked by NBC about whether authorities were investigating the possibility of Wi-Fi signal interference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos acknowledged his team was examining "every angle" with FBI counterparts.
Ongoing Investigation Developments
Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31 after having dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend a weekly routine of watching a live-streamed church service at a friend's Tucson home. The FBI has since released doorbell camera footage showing an armed, masked man wearing gloves outside Guthrie's home in the early morning hours of February 1.
During property searches, investigators found a glove in a field approximately two miles from Guthrie's residence. Authorities identified the glove's owner on Wednesday, determining the individual worked at a restaurant across the street and had no connection to the disappearance. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that earlier speculation about police discarding gloves was "so far from the truth."
DNA Analysis and Investigative Progress
Nanos has sent another pair of gloves to a laboratory for DNA analysis, noting the challenge of separating mixed DNA samples. Despite these complexities, the sheriff told NBC News this week that investigators are "definitely closer" to identifying a suspect or suspects in the case. Authorities continue to operate under the assumption that Guthrie, who requires medication and is considered frail, remains alive.
Family Response and Media Return
As the search continues, Savannah Guthrie returned to the "Today" show studios on Thursday for the first time since her mother's disappearance. She embraced dozens of colleagues and expressed gratitude for their support, stating according to People magazine: "I wanted you to know that I'm still standing, and I still have hope, and I'm still me."
The veteran newscaster, who last appeared on-air during the February 2 episode, plans to return to broadcasting at some point but remains focused on supporting her family and efforts to locate her mother. The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery. Meanwhile, Hoda Kotb has returned to the show, more than a year after her retirement, to temporarily fill Guthrie's position.
Investigators have not publicly named any suspects or persons of interest. Last week, the FBI moved its investigation command post from Tucson to Phoenix, though a task force including agents, sheriff's detectives, and a sergeant remains at the FBI office in Tucson. The sheriff's department continues to ask community members to submit relevant footage through their online portal.
