‘Revenge’ Motive Behind Savannah Guthrie’s Mom, Nancy’s Kidnapping, Suspected By Ex-FBI Agent

American broadcast journalist and Today Show host, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing from her Tucson, Arizona home since February 1, 2026. Recently, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department officially transitioned the 84-year-old Nancy’s missing-persons case to a criminal investigation, alleging kidnapping. Amid that, a ransom scam disrupted the investigation. As no leads regarding Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts have been received yet, the FBI weighed upon the possible motives behind the kidnapping.

Is revenge the motive behind Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping? Former FBI agent predicts

It’s been six days since Nancy Guthrie has been missing, and authorities have not been able to gather any intel on her location or her kidnapper as of yet. They couldn’t infer the motive behind her kidnapping as well. However, former FBI agents and experts have recently analysed the evidence to suggest some potential reasons why the abduction might have taken place. Experts suggest the motive may be linked to Nancy’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show. Former FBI supervisor, James Gagliano, stated that kidnappings are typically for “profit or revenge”.

Another former FBI special agent, Tracy Walder, issued similar sentiments regarding the revenge motive. She predicted that the kidnapper might have an obsession with Savannah or a beef related to a story the journalist covered, and thus, from a grudge motive, might have kidnapped her mother. Agent, Brad Garrett mentioned that Nancy may have been taken to target the 54-year-old, Savannah, specifically due to her high international profile.

What are the other expert-suggested possible motives behind Savannah’s abduction?

Besides the revenge angle, the most visible motive is profit. Several media outlets, including TMZ, received alleged ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return to her home. Former FBI agent, Lance Leising noted that it is “very odd” for ransom notes to be sent to media outlets rather than the family if the primary goal is financial gain. Another former FBI agent, Andrew McCabe, emphasised that kidnappers typically provide “proof of life” to secure payment, which has not happened in the case of Savannah Guthrie’s mom.

Details of Savannah Guthrie’s mother’s kidnapper’s alleged ransom demand

Reporters at TMZ reportedly received an unverified ransom note regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, on the morning of February 3, 2026. The note demands millions of dollars in Bitcoin (cryptocurrency) to be sent to a specific Bitcoin address for her safe release. The letter reportedly contained precise personal details about Nancy and her home. On February 6, 2026, federal authorities arrested Derrick Callella, a resident of Torrance/Hawthorne, California, for allegedly sending the fake ransom demand to Nancy’s family.

What did the initial police investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance reveal?

The initial investigation into the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie revealed evidence of a “nighttime kidnapping.” The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there was evidence of forced entry at Nancy Guthrie’s home and is coordinating with the FBI. Police believe she was taken from her home against her will. The DNA analysis of Nancy Guthrie’s items at the abduction scene, i.e., her house were checked for DNA samples. However, the early results matched only Nancy herself and did not point to a specific suspect. Amid that, some conflicting reports emerged regarding a “blood trail” at the scene.

Journalist probed Nancy Guthrie’s family members a suspect in her kidnapping

Journalist, Ashleigh Banfield claimed on her podcast that Nancy’s daughter, Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni was a “prime suspect,” in her kidnapping, citing an unverified law enforcement source. Tommaso reportedly drove Nancy home after a family dinner on January 31, 2026 and confirmed she was safely inside at approximately 9:30 p.m. Notably, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stated that there are currently no named suspects or persons of interest in the case, and some public figures have levied allegations of corruption on the authorities.

Investigators have not received any updates on Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, even after six days since her disappearance. The Guthrie family and fans still wait for hopeful news.

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