FBI Releases Suspect Backpack and Height

The FBI announced that it increased the reward for any information leading to the location of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

Authorities also confirmed new details about a suspect seen in photos released earlier this week. According to a statement posted on X, a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division identified the suspect as male and described him as approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall with an average build. The backpack he is wearing is a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” per officials.

The FBI Phoenix account shared the update in hopes that it would “help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” adding that since Feb. 1, the bureau has amassed over 13,000 tips from the public related to Nancy’s case.

Nancy has been missing for nearly two weeks and is believed to have been taken from her home against her will. The 84-year-old woman was last seen on Jan. 31 and has been without the medication she is required to take daily.

On Feb. 8, Guthrie and her siblings addressed their mother’s alleged kidnapper in an Instagram video. “We received your message, and we understand,” she said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.” Neither Guthrie nor the authorities have detailed the message they received. “This is the only way we will have peace,” Guthrie continued. “This is very valuable to us. And we will pay.”

Two days later, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released the first photos of someone possibly involved in the alleged kidnapping. The images were taken the morning of Nancy’s disappearance, and showed an “armed individual,” wearing a ski mask, and appearing to tamper with the camera on Nancy’s front door. 

Savannah also posted a video, which appeared to be footage from where the photos released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department were taken. “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home,” wrote Savannah in the caption, directing anyone with information to contact police.

On Feb. 10, ABC News reported that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the FBI, had detained an individual in southern Tucson, Arizona. The person of interest detained for questioning was later released. The man, who goes by Carlos, told the outlet he was unaware of the search for Nancy when he was arrested. “I hope they get the suspect, because I’m not it,” Carlos said. “They better do their job and find the suspect that did it so that they can clear my name.”

The FBI has continued to ask anyone with information that could lead to Nancy’s whereabouts to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or to submit tips through its online portal.