REPORT: Law Enforcement Uncovers Massive Breakthrough On Suspect In Nancy Guthrie Case

TMZ is reporting that investigators now believe the abductor, or group of abductors, who kidnapped 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson, Arizona home is from the Tucson area.

Law enforcement sources cited in the report believe the reported ransom notes were authored by the individual responsible for the abduction, and specific details within them point to a familiarity with the region. The validity of the ransom notes — which set a final deadline of Monday evening for $6 million in cryptocurrency payments — have not been confirmed nor denied by investigators since they were first sent on February 2.

State and federal law enforcement have stated that the notes were being investigated seriously, though they have not yet disclosed exact details.

According to the latest report from TMZ, the notes contain phrasing and references that suggest the perpetrator has knowledge of local landmarks, customs, or logistics in Tucson. For example, the demands reference a timeframe for returning Nancy to the city after payment, implying a drive rather than air travel to avoid identification checks like Real ID.

In addition, the notes were sent primarily to Tucson and Arizona-based media outlets, in addition to TMZ. The notes also describe specific items from the crime scene, such as damage to property at Nancy’s home and details about her Apple Watch, which she reportedly was not wearing at the time of the abduction.

Among other agencies, there’s lots of FBI personnel canvassing the area around Annie Guthrie’s house as part of the Nancy Guthrie investigation

I have seen sheriff’s office personnel, I’ve seen FBI and I’ve seen other agencies that I could not immediately identify pic.twitter.com/qKHU2u0nIl

— Phil Holloway ✈️ (@PhilHollowayEsq) February 10, 2026

The potential breakthrough report comes just hours after authorities released footage of a person of interest in the case for the first time. Footage obtained from a disabled doorbell camera, which investigators were able to access through residual data, shows a masked individual approaching the door before attempting to cover the camera with a clump of grass.

The individual’s face could not be identified, though their eyes appeared visible in multiple frames. They appeared to be dressed in khaki pants, a dark jacket and were wearing a backpack that appeared to be full. The suspect also appeared to be armed with a handgun.

Police had previously reported that an individual was seen trespassing not far from Guthrie’s home in late January, though they have not disclosed whether that incident is believed to be connected to the case.

Footage shows the person of interest approaching Guthrie’s front door

Investigators with the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s office were seen canvassing the neighborhood around Annie Guthrie’s home, Nancy’s daughter who lives about 10 minutes away. Authorities spent several hours talking to neighbors and poking around properties, placing a particularly emphasis on searching brush areas around homes.

Investigators continue to search the neighborhood as of 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. NBC News reported that investigators were asking residents to view any doorbell or security camera footage they may have.

NOW: Federal agents are canvassing Annie Guthrie's neighborhood on foot. Doing what appears to be a systematic sweep, combing through desert brush and going door-to-door talking to neighbors. pic.twitter.com/2fXUEJjri9

— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 11, 2026

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, when she was dropped off at her Catalonia Foothills home after having dinner with family. Authorities believe she was abducted against her will, as her home showed signs of forced entry. Blood splatters belonging to Nancy Guthrie were also recovered from the property’s front porch.

Nancy’s family, including Savannah, Camron, and Annie, has issued public pleas via Instagram, addressing the alleged kidnappers directly and affirming their willingness to pay the demanded ransom.

This is a developing story. Additional details will be provided as they become available.