Guthrie case investigators question neighbors about any internet issues on the night she disappeared
Guthrie case investigators question neighbors about any internet issues on the night she disappeared
Neighbors in Tucson recount unusual connectivity problems during the abduction
Detectives searching for clues in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance have inquired about potential internet disturbances in her neighborhood. On Thursday, agents from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI conducted door-to-door interviews in the Catalina Foothills, asking residents if they noticed any anomalies with their network connections on the night she vanished. Multiple homeowners shared with NBC News that the investigators specifically highlighted the day of her disappearance as a key point of focus.
Several neighbors reported that the agents asked if their internet service had experienced glitches, citing earlier conversations with locals who mentioned similar issues. Two homeowners said they were questioned about video footage from Jan. 11, though authorities have not confirmed a direct link to the case. Three residents who spoke to NBC News on Thursday noted they were asleep or away at the time of the abduction and couldn’t verify connectivity problems.
“That’s really weird, isn’t it?”
A couple living next to Guthrie’s home, however, claimed they observed a camera malfunction. They stated that one of their Ring cameras displayed a “not available” message during the overnight hours of the abduction. While the other cameras on their property functioned normally, the one closest to Guthrie’s home failed to capture footage, which they described as “uncanny.” NBC News has contacted Ring for clarification, but the FBI and sheriff’s department have not yet explained the significance of the inquiry.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, when asked about the possibility of a Wi-Fi jammer during the abduction, replied: “I’ve not looked at that closely, but yeah, I know that my team has examined it with the FBI from every angle.” Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31 after dinner with her daughter Annie. She was officially reported missing on Feb. 1 when she failed to appear at a friend’s house for a livestreamed church service.
The case is believed to be a kidnapping, though details remain sparse. Last month, the FBI released doorbell camera footage showing an armed and masked man in gloves near Guthrie’s home. The suspect is described as a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. The Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery, joining efforts by the FBI and Crime Stoppers.
Savannah Guthrie, who has been in Arizona with her family and on leave from the TODAY show, visited the New York City studio recently. A spokesperson noted she plans to return to her role but remains committed to supporting her family and aiding in the search for Nancy.
Liz Kreutz is an NBC News correspondent. Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.