Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack has defended Savannah Guthrie's reported decision to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a private investigator to find her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old has been missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, since January 31.
According to a report from The U.S. Sun, the Today co-anchor has spent around $500,000 on additional investigative efforts, including hiring a private investigator to work alongside law enforcement. The report has not been officially confirmed by Savannah's family, the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Speaking to Parade, Pack said he fully understood why a family in Savannah's position might seek outside assistance. 'I have nothing but respect for that decision,' he said. 'When it's your mother, you exhaust every option available to you.' He explained that experienced private investigators can complement ongoing law enforcement efforts without interfering.
The former agent rejected suggestions that hiring outside help signals a lack of confidence in authorities. 'Overall, I think, despite the undertones and rumblings, that's not a complete lack of faith in the investigative team, per se,' Pack said. 'I see it more as a daughter and a family doing everything in their power.'
The case has attracted national attention, particularly after investigators released surveillance footage showing a masked man outside Nancy's home around the time she disappeared. Authorities continue to appeal for information, while Savannah has remained vocal about her determination to find her mother.
Earlier this month, Savannah shared an emotional Mother's Day message on Instagram, writing: 'Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you.' She also reminded followers that a $1 million reward remains available for information that could help solve the mystery.
