Former CIA and FBI Agent Claims Nancy Guthrie Abduction Targets Savannah Guthrie Personally
In a chilling assessment of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, former CIA officer and FBI special agent Tracy Walder has stated that the abduction likely stems from anger or obsession directed at her daughter, Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, rather than being a straightforward demand for money. Walder, leveraging her extensive background in federal intelligence and law enforcement, posits that the perpetrator may have been personally targeting the high-profile journalist due to her public visibility and reporting work.
Motivation Beyond Financial Gain
Tracy Walder expressed skepticism that the crime is primarily about ransom, telling Page Six, 'I am not convinced it's fully about money. Her salary is for the most part public, but there are other people who make more money than she does.' Instead, she believes the abduction could be driven by a more personal vendetta. 'I, in my gut, feel like this is someone that either had some kind of obsession with Savannah because of how high profile she is, and this was a way to potentially get to her,' Walder elaborated. 'Or this is a person that has some kind of beef with Savannah because of whatever story she covered or whoever she interviewed.'
Evidence of Stalking and Preparation
Walder highlighted the level of preparation involved in the abduction, suggesting the suspect meticulously studied Nancy Guthrie's routines. 'This is a person who is clearly suited up and gloved up,' she informed the New York Post, noting the individual appeared knowledgeable about camera locations and evasion techniques. 'That could mean it's a stalker,' Walder added. 'I think they probably stalked her for some time and got a pattern life … Her comings and goings and those kinds of things.' She firmly dismissed the possibility of the crime being accidental or opportunistic, stating, 'There's no way this is a robbery gone wrong. You're not going to bring the person with you. There's no way this is random.'
Risks to Public Figures and Families
The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by prominent individuals and their relatives, according to Walder. 'Savannah is such a public person,' she remarked. 'I don't think she would have ever thought something like this could happen, but I think it's a reminder to us that we need to make sure [personal information] stays private.' This warning comes as law enforcement officials express growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie's health deteriorating rapidly while she remains missing. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated, 'Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day. She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they're getting that medication to her.'
Investigation Details and Family Appeals
Investigators report that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home in Tucson's upscale Catalina Foothills. Four hours later, her doorbell camera disconnected, followed by the app linked to her pacemaker going offline. DNA testing confirmed that blood found outside her front door belonged to her, indicating injury during what authorities believe was an abduction. Sheriff Nanos emphasized, 'We are actively looking at everyone,' as the investigation intensified following ransom notes sent to multiple media outlets. These notes demanded money and referenced specific details about Nancy Guthrie's home, including a floodlight and an Apple Watch. KOLD-TV anchor Mary Coleman told CNN, 'When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax.' The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for credible information leading to her recovery and is treating the ransom notes seriously.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made public pleas for contact and proof of life. In a video posted online, Savannah stated, 'We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.' Her brother Camron Guthrie echoed this appeal, saying, 'We haven't heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.' Savannah described her mother as a 'loving woman of goodness and light,' while her sister Annie added, 'Mamma, If you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.' The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC News for additional comment on the situation.
