The reward fund for information related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has doubled to $202,500, as investigators continue their extensive search nearly three weeks after the Tucson resident was reported missing. The Pima County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, that the 88-CRIME program received an anonymous donation of $100,000, supplementing the existing $100,000 reward offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The substantial reward is available to anyone who provides information leading to the location of the 84-year-old woman or the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in her disappearance. The FBI has clarified that it will not administer non-FBI rewards associated with this case, though the bureau remains actively involved in the investigation.
Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last observed at her Tucson residence after family members dropped her off at 9:48 p.m. on January 31. According to law enforcement officials, investigators believe she was taken from her home during the early morning hours of February 1 while she was asleep. The case has drawn national attention due to her relationship with her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, a prominent host on NBC's Today show.
The anonymous donation follows a public pledge by Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy, president of Milwaukee Crime Stoppers, who announced via social media on February 16 that he would offer a $100,000 reward through Crime Stoppers for the arrest of the perpetrator. However, authorities have not confirmed whether Hupy, 79, was the source of the anonymous contribution to 88-CRIME.
Investigation Developments
The Pima County Sheriff's Office has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific investigative tactics. When questioned about cooperation with Mexican authorities, the use of polygraph examinations, video surveillance analysis, and financial investigations, the department declined to provide details, stating that such information would not be released at this time.
Investigators are currently conducting laboratory analysis of biological evidence collected from the victim's residence. Additionally, authorities have focused attention on surveillance footage captured by a Nest doorbell camera, which shows an unidentified suspect wearing what appears to be an Ozark Trail backpack.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that law enforcement is working with Walmart management across Arizona to trace recent purchases of the specific backpack model. The sheriff indicated that investigators hope to identify purchase records that might include credit card information or corresponding surveillance footage of the buyer.
According to the FBI's description, the suspect is a male standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. Sheriff Nanos noted that the individual captured on video appeared to be wearing a ring beneath black gloves. A single black glove discovered approximately one and a half miles from the residence has been submitted for DNA analysis, though no matches have been identified as of Wednesday.
Family Appeals for Information
Savannah Guthrie, 54, issued a public appeal via social media on Sunday, February 15, urging anyone with information about her mother's whereabouts to come forward. In an emotional video statement, she emphasized that those responsible for her mother's disappearance still have an opportunity to make amends.
The journalist stated that her family maintains hope and belief in her mother's safe return. She directly addressed potential perpetrators, emphasizing that it is never too late to do the right thing and expressing faith in the fundamental goodness of humanity.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to contact 88-CRIME or the FBI immediately. The substantial reward fund represents one of the largest offered in recent Arizona missing persons cases, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this investigation.
