A former FBI agent, experienced in behavioral analysis, suggested that Savannah Guthrie’s recent Instagram video might be directed at a suspect who could be a novice criminal currently under pressure from an ongoing investigation.
In her video, Savannah shares that it has been two weeks since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has gone missing, yet the family is determined not to lose hope. She directly addresses the alleged kidnapper with a heartfelt plea.
“It’s never too late. You’re never lost or alone. It’s never too late to do the right thing,” she expresses in the video, emphasizing her family’s belief in the goodness of people.
Johnny Grusing, who spent 25 years in the FBI’s Denver office tackling various serious crimes, commented that he suspects the FBI influenced Savannah Guthrie’s messages. After Nancy’s disappearance, several related videos appeared on Savannah’s Instagram, with one aimed at the suspect, another encouraging witnesses to step forward, and the latest video from Sunday evening.
Grusing opines that the suspect isn’t particularly skilled and that Savannah’s video was likely coordinated by FBI profilers to encourage the suspect to surrender.
“I think he’s panicking over what happened to Nancy. His family hasn’t turned him in, so maybe they’re hoping he’s rattled enough,” Grusing said. “They’re telling him that this won’t just disappear; he needs to find the courage and do the right thing.”
With his extensive background, Grusing noted that the suspect displayed signs of being inexperienced. For instance, he was seen avoiding the doorbell camera and even attempted to obscure its view with a brush from the yard.
“Just look at him—his awkwardness gives it away. This guy isn’t a professional. I doubt everything that happened was part of a well-thought-out plan. He certainly didn’t expect the intense media coverage or the FBI’s involvement two weeks later,” he remarked.
Grusing reassured that regardless of the duration of the investigation, both the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are committed to bringing it to a resolution. He believes it’s only a matter of time before the suspect is apprehended.
“He will be arrested eventually. Something will give, maybe there’ll be a SWAT team coming to his door. This isn’t merely a plea for him to consider his humanity; he genuinely needs to muster the courage to act and turn himself in,” Grusing added.
**Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance:**
- January 31, 2026
- 9:30 – 9:45 p.m. – Family drops Nancy off at home.
- 9:50 p.m. – Garage door closes, according to authorities.
- February 1, 2026
- 1:47 a.m. – Doorbell camera loses connection.
- 2:12 a.m. – Surveillance camera detects movement.
- 2:28 a.m. – Pacemaker disconnects from the accompanying app.
- 11:56 a.m. – Family checks on Nancy after she misses a weekly church livestream.
- 12:03 p.m. – 911 call is made.
- 12:15 p.m. – Sheriff’s deputies arrive at the house.
