A dramatic new development has unfolded in the Nancy Guthrie case after a major law enforcement operation in Tucson, Arizona, ended with three people detained and a man reportedly shooting himself during the raid.
Authorities say the operation forms part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of well-known US television presenter Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her home in late January.
The latest raid took place on Friday night, just two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home, as FBI agents and armed tactical officers moved in following what has been described as a fresh investigative tip.
What happened during the raid linked to the Nancy Guthrie case?
Officers launched the tactical operation at around 9pm local time on Friday night, surrounding a residential property and ordering individuals inside to come out.
Reports from the scene suggest a man and woman surrendered peacefully, while a third person was arrested during a separate traffic stop nearby. Authorities later confirmed the traffic stop had direct links to the main operation.
During the raid, one individual reportedly shot himself, although officials have not yet released details about his condition or whether the injury was fatal.
Pima County Sheriff’s Office says no news conference or update.
This Range Rover is also being investigated and is now being towed away.
A lot of moving parts right now. pic.twitter.com/sAVmqe9xMe
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) February 14, 2026
Police have not confirmed whether those detained are suspects or simply people of interest.
The raid comes after police expanded the search in recent days, with tactical teams increasing investigation activity across Tucson as the investigation intensified.
Why is her disappearance so serious?
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a prominent presenter on US breakfast television. She was last seen at her Tucson home on 31 January and is believed to have disappeared during the night or early hours of the following morning.
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie may have been abducted, after investigators reportedly found signs of forced removal, including blood evidence at the property.
Her disappearance has sparked widespread concern due to her age and vulnerability, with police stating she may require medication and urgent care.
Those close to her have also begun speaking publicly, sharing details of her daily routine and personality as investigators attempt to build a clearer timeline.
Several of these personal accounts were highlighted after friends spoke out in the days following her disappearance.
What evidence have investigators found so far?
Officials working on the Nancy Guthrie case have reportedly uncovered several key developments in recent days, including forensic evidence that may strengthen the investigation.
What forensic breakthrough has been reported?
Investigators recently confirmed they recovered DNA evidence at or near Nancy Guthrie’s home, which does not match her, nor anyone known to be close to her.
This development is being treated as a significant lead, although authorities have not revealed where the DNA was found or whether it links directly to a suspect.
Has CCTV or doorbell footage helped police?
Authorities have also reportedly reviewed footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home security camera, showing an armed figure near the property.
BREAKING: New cctv video of person matching Nancy Guthrie door cam footage offender in height, backpack, and clothing.
approximately 5 mi south of Nancy Guthrie’s home. February 1, at 153AM local time. 😳 pic.twitter.com/GTdkFMvnDt
— Nicky (@ni7ric) February 12, 2026
The suspect has been described as a man of average build, standing around 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall, with investigators believing the footage could play a central role in identifying who was involved.
How much reward money is being offered in the Nancy Guthrie case?
In an effort to generate new leads, investigators have increased the reward for information.
Authorities have now doubled the reward to $100,000, which is roughly £79,000 to £80,000 depending on exchange rates.
The reward applies to information that leads directly to locating Nancy Guthrie or identifying those responsible for her disappearance.
This figure is unusually high, signalling that investigators believe someone in the public may hold a crucial piece of information.
Are the detained individuals suspects or witnesses?
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether the three people detained are officially suspects.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the raid have been cautious with public details, likely due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and the possibility of further arrests.
Reports suggest the first two individuals taken from the home may be related, possibly a mother and son, though officials have not confirmed this.
Police also confirmed that a third detention during a nearby traffic stop was connected to the raid, suggesting investigators may be working through a wider network of leads.
What have law enforcement officials said about the case?
Authorities have warned the public not to assume the case will be solved quickly, even with the latest raid.
Investigators have stressed that complex abduction cases can take time, with forensic testing and interviews often lasting weeks or even months.
Officials have also urged patience as evidence continues to be processed and analysed. So far, no formal charges have been announced.
How has Savannah Guthrie responded to her mother’s disappearance?
Savannah Guthrie has made repeated public appeals, urging anyone with information to come forward.
She has described her mother as vulnerable and has stressed that even small details — such as sightings of suspicious vehicles or individuals, could be critical to the investigation.
Her high public profile has helped bring attention to the case, keeping it in the news and increasing pressure for answers.
Why is this case attracting so much attention?
The Nancy Guthrie case has become one of the most high-profile missing person investigations in the United States this year due to:
- The involvement of the FBI
- the unusually large reward offered
- The disturbing evidence found at the home
- and the celebrity connection through Savannah Guthrie
The reported self-inflicted shooting during the raid has added another dramatic layer, raising questions about whether investigators have moved closer to identifying those involved.
What happens next in the Nancy Guthrie case?
Investigators are expected to focus on:
- questioning those detained
- analysing forensic evidence, including the unidentified DNA
- reviewing surveillance footage and digital records
- and establishing whether the raid property links directly to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Police may also release additional suspect descriptions or footage if they believe it could help the public provide new tips. At present, Nancy Guthrie remains missing.
