Investigators Weigh ‘Burglary Gone Wrong’ Theory in Disappearance of 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie

Authorities investigating the troubling disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie are now examining whether what initially appeared to be a possible abduction may instead have stemmed from a botched burglary, according to multiple local reports citing law enforcement sources.

The case, which has drawn national attention, continues to develop as federal and local officials work through surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and tips from the public.

CBS 5 true crime correspondent Briana Whitney reported over the weekend that investigators increasingly believe the incident may not have been a premeditated kidnapping. In a video shared on X, Whitney stated, “We can now report investigators now believe this was a burglary gone wrong.”

She continued: “We’ve interviewed multiple experts since this began who also said based on the evidence, the surveillance video, and other aspects of this case, that they also believed this was not an intended kidnapping.”

Whitney further emphasized what she described as a prevailing view among those working the case: “And last but probably most important, the widespread belief by investigators tonight is that Nancy Guthrie could be alive.”

Her full report can be viewed here:

According to the outlet, authorities are reevaluating earlier suspicions and “are leaning away from several people previously scrutinized, including the man whose home was searched Friday night, a man named Carlos who was stopped in a car last week and any of Guthrie’s relatives.”

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel released images and surveillance footage of a masked “potential suspect” seen on Guthrie’s front porch. Patel explained that the material was retrieved from a surveillance source that had not previously been accessible to investigators. Despite the release of the footage, no arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly identified.

Shortly after Whitney’s report circulated, Fox News correspondent Matt Finn cast doubt on some of the emerging details, writing that the FBI had “no idea where that came from” in reference to aspects of Whitney’s reporting.

His post is available here:

Officials have not formally confirmed the burglary theory. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has underscored that no definitive motive has been established and that investigators are continuing to pursue every credible lead.

Law enforcement sources indicate that DNA recovered from a glove found near Guthrie’s home, along with evidence collected from a Range Rover discovered approximately two miles away, is currently undergoing testing. Authorities are carefully reviewing surveillance footage and forensic findings to determine whether an attempted break-in may have escalated into something far more serious.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence on January 31 and was reported missing the following day. Since then, the case has mobilized a multi-agency effort involving the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As investigators continue their work, Guthrie’s family is holding onto hope.

“Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie released a heartfelt video message over the weekend, urging anyone with information to come forward and appealing directly to those who may know her mother’s whereabouts.

“It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe,” she said. “I wanted to say to whoever has her, or knows where she is, that it’s never too late. And you’re not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here.”

She added: “We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and it’s never too late.”

For now, law enforcement remains cautious but resolute. While public speculation continues to swirl, officials insist that every piece of evidence is being examined methodically. In a case this sensitive, facts — not rumor — will ultimately determine the truth.