A former Tucson police SWAT officer has publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, calling the scene “inconsistent” and suggesting investigators may be withholding key details.
Brandon Tatum, who previously served as a Tucson police officer, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the reported events “don’t add up.” He wrote: “A frail elderly woman with a heart condition wouldn’t put up much of a fight, but the suspect didn’t look prepared for a calculated ransom scheme. When SWAT deploys, they have a reason. That tells me investigators know more than they’re saying, and the Bitcoin ransom may be a distraction.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31, 2026. Her disappearance triggered an extensive multi-agency search involving the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, local police, and the FBI.
In the days following her vanishing, alleged ransom notes demanding payment in Bitcoin were sent to multiple news outlets, including claims that she was being held against her will.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the media last week, stating that evidence at the scene indicated Guthrie “did not leave on her own.” He emphasized her serious heart condition and the critical need for daily medication, warning that missing doses could be life-threatening within 24 hours.
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence, with the Today show host and her family publicly pleading for information and offering a reward for her safe return.
Tatum’s comments have fueled online speculation about possible inconsistencies in the official account, including questions about the authenticity of the ransom demands and the nature of the crime scene evidence. Authorities have not publicly responded to his remarks and continue to treat the disappearance as an active investigation.
No suspect has been named, and no arrests have been made as of February 12, 2026. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.
The search remains ongoing, with officials stressing the urgency due to Guthrie’s medical needs.
