The frantic search for Nancy Guthrie continues, and so far, authorities have not arrested anyone for the alleged kidnapping.
Now, a former CIA officer and FBI special agent has weighed in, saying that Savannah Guthrie’s mother was likely “stalked for some time” before being taken from her home.
Came extremely well-prepared?
Authorities have deployed multiple teams to Tucson to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie. But they face major hurdles: rough terrain, little evidence, no suspects, and the unclear source of the supposed ransom note.
Exactly how, and by whom, Nancy was taken remains unclear at this point. But one person with experience in cases like this has offered a theory about what may have happened.
Tracy Walder, a former CIA operative and FBI special agent who spent years working for both agencies and now teaches at Texas Christian University, believes there are signs Nancy Guthrie may have been stalked prior to her kidnapping. In an interview with Page Six, Walder said certain clues suggest the abduction may not have been random.
During Thursday’s press briefing, authorities confirmed that no DNA belonging to a suspect was found in Nancy’s Arizona home. Walder believes the person responsible came extremely well-prepared.
“This is a person who is clearly suited up and gloved up, right? Even though they may have surprised [Nancy] in her sleep, I find it very hard to believe that she wouldn’t have fought back a little bit in some way,” Walder said.
“I understand that she’s 84 and not of the best health, but human nature is to respond, which means DNA could have gone places,” she added.
”That could mean it’s a stalker”
At the same press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that Nancy’s doorbell camera was disconnected around 1:47 a.m. on Sunday.
Walder points out that the timeline suggests the kidnapper was inside the home for roughly 45 minutes and seemed to know the exact location of the security cameras to remove them.
“Now, that doesn’t always mean it’s a family member,” Walder clarified.
“That could mean it’s a stalker.”
She also noted how easily she was able to locate Nancy’s personal information online, including her home address, email, and phone number, which she called “a problem” given Savannah’s high-profile career.
“I also think because of the fact [Nancy’s] home is set so far back, if this is just some random person, I think they probably stalked her for some time and got a pattern life … Her comings and goings and those kinds of things,” Walder said.
Walder further suggested that the kidnapper could have been obsessed with Savannah Guthrie or upset with her over a story she covered.
”No way this is a robbery gone wrong”
“There’s no way this is a robbery gone wrong,” she said. “You’re not going to bring the person with you. There’s no way this is random.
“If this is something that was planned, which I do think it was … maybe this person knew about the condition she has, and maybe this person knew to have medication for her in it.”
Walder believes the abduction may be linked to Savannah Guthrie’s high-profile status. She thinks the person behind it could either be obsessed with Savannah, using the kidnapping as a way to get to her, or may hold a grudge over something Savannah reported on or the people she interviewed.
Walder added that she isn’t convinced the motive is purely financial or solely about a ransom.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, an affluent neighborhood roughly six miles (10km) north-east of Tucson, on Saturday evening, when family members dropped her off around 21:30 local time.
On Thursday, federal authorities announced the arrest of Los Angeles man Derrick Callella in connection with a fake ransom demand linked to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie.
$50,000 reward
Callella allegedly sent texts to Nancy’s daughter and son-in-law demanding Bitcoin, though the FBI says he has no confirmed connection to the case.
FBI Phoenix Special Agent Heith Janke called him a “total imposter” and warned: “To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or the arrest of anyone involved.
Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI tips hotline at 800-225-5324, contact their local FBI office, reach out to the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
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