Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie say there is currently no evidence that a suspect seen on doorbell camera footage visited her home prior to the day she went missing.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing near her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. The case has drawn national attention due to her being the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and that conclusions will be based strictly on verified evidence.
Clarifying Doorbell Camera Reports
Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed circulating claims that a masked individual captured on doorbell camera footage had visited the residence on more than one occasion before the disappearance.
In statements reported by PEOPLE magazine, Sheriff Nanos said there is “no evidence” to support assertions that the suspect was at the home prior to February 1. He also noted there is no verified proof that all released images were captured on the same day.
“There is no evidence to support that… and there is no evidence to support it was all on the same day,” Nanos stated, emphasizing that any interpretation beyond the available data remains speculative.
Investigators have acknowledged that some of the images released publicly show the suspect in slightly different attire, including with and without a backpack. However, officials stressed that the images do not include visible timestamps.
“There is no date or time stamp associated with these images,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement. “Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative.”
Law enforcement reiterated that the investigation will rely on verifiable facts rather than assumptions.
Active Investigation Continues
Authorities confirmed that both the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are reviewing available surveillance footage, including images from a residential doorbell camera that show an unidentified masked individual on Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep.
Sheriff Nanos told NBC News that investigators are analyzing specific items seen in the footage to identify potential leads.
Among the details under review is a backpack worn by the individual. According to Nanos, investigators have determined that the backpack model is sold at Walmart. Authorities are working with Walmart managers across Arizona to examine sales records within a recent timeframe in an effort to identify possible purchasers.
“That backpack, we could positively now identify as a backpack that is sold at one place only. That’s Walmart,” Nanos explained in the NBC interview.
He added that investigators are exploring whether purchase records, payment methods, or surveillance footage from retail locations could help identify the suspect.
Weapon Identification Efforts
Law enforcement officials have also reviewed footage showing what appears to be a holstered firearm. Sheriff Nanos stated that investigators are attempting to determine the make and model of both the firearm and the holster.
“We know he had a gun. We know he had a holster that had some pretty unique characteristics,” Nanos said in comments reported by NBC.
Authorities are contacting local gun shops and reviewing available information to determine whether the equipment can be traced to a specific purchase. Officials have not released further details about the suspected weapon in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Law enforcement agencies commonly withhold certain technical details in active cases to prevent compromising investigative strategies.
No Confirmation of Additional Visits
Speculation has circulated online suggesting that the suspect may have returned to the property on multiple occasions. However, officials have clarified that there is no confirmed evidence supporting that claim at this time.
Nanos acknowledged that it is theoretically possible that some images could have been captured on different days, but he emphasized that investigators do not currently have documentation verifying the timing.
“It could be accurate. We just don’t have evidence to support when each image was taken,” he said.
The absence of timestamps on the publicly released images makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the sequence of events.
Commitment to Ongoing Search
Sheriff Nanos reiterated that authorities are continuing to pursue all available leads and that the case is not considered cold.
“As long as we have the ability to chase a lead, it’s not cold,” Nanos said in a subsequent interview with NBC. “We’re not going to give up.”
Law enforcement agencies often stress persistence in missing persons investigations, particularly when active evidence analysis is ongoing.
Community Awareness and Caution Against Speculation
The sheriff’s department has urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on incomplete information. In active investigations, premature assumptions can hinder law enforcement efforts and create confusion.
“As with any investigation, conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts,” the department said in a formal statement. “Speculation, without factual support, does not advance the investigative process.”
Public attention in high-profile cases can generate rapid online discussion. Experts in criminal justice emphasize that while public awareness can assist investigations, misinformation can also complicate evidence gathering.
Law enforcement agencies routinely encourage anyone with relevant information to contact authorities directly rather than sharing unverified claims online.
The Role of Federal Assistance
The FBI’s involvement indicates that federal resources are being deployed to assist in evidence analysis and investigative coordination. In missing persons cases that draw national attention, federal agencies may provide forensic support, data analysis, and interagency communication assistance.
Officials have not disclosed additional operational details, citing the active nature of the investigation.
Ongoing Developments
As of the latest statements from authorities, no arrests have been announced, and no formal charges have been filed in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Investigators continue to analyze video footage, review retail transaction data, and evaluate equipment details that may help identify the masked individual captured on camera.
Law enforcement has emphasized that updates will be shared when substantiated by confirmed evidence.
Conclusion
Police investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have stated clearly that there is no verified evidence showing the suspect visited her home before February 1. While doorbell camera images have prompted questions, officials stress that the absence of timestamps prevents confirmation of when each image was captured.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI continue to examine available evidence, including retail purchase data and equipment identification, as part of an active investigation.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all leads and have urged the public to rely on verified information rather than speculation.
Sources
PEOPLE Magazine – Interview with Sheriff Chris Nanos
NBC News – Coverage of Investigation Updates
Pima County Sheriff’s Department – Official Statements
