A former FBI official is raising doubts about whether Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy, is still alive or was truly kidnapped, as new ransom claims continue to emerge.
Chris Swecker, a former FBI assistant director, said on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show that there is no verified “proof of life,” which he says would normally be expected in a real abduction. He added that the case may involve “something other than a kidnapping,” since no evidence has been credibly confirmed.
The Guthrie family has made emotional public pleas and reportedly agreed to ransom demands that escalated from $1 million to $6 million, which Swecker called suspicious. He suggested a possible third party may be manipulating the situation.
At least two ransom notes have surfaced since Nancy disappeared from her Tucson home, but authorities have not confirmed their authenticity.
Nancy was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026, after failing to attend church. Investigators believe she vanished overnight after last being seen returning home from dinner with her daughter. Signs of disturbance were found inside the home, including blood later confirmed to be hers and a missing doorbell camera, suggesting she may have been taken.