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Nancy Guthrie update: Ex-FBI agent asks investigators to lear a lesson from 40-year-old Thelma Gaston case

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer wants more searches for Nancy Guthrie, saying old missing cases prove answers can still be found.

Published on: Jul 19, 2026, 02:41:18 IST
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The search for Nancy Guthrie has taken another turn after retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer called for more search operations in the case. In a post on X, Coffindaffer said investigators should not stop looking for the missing 84-year-old, pointing to another decades-old case that was eventually solved.

Nancy Guthrie update: Retired FBI agent cites 40-year-old case in search (via REUTERS)
Nancy Guthrie update: Retired FBI agent cites 40-year-old case in search (via REUTERS)

Nancy, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are still investigating the case, and no suspect has been identified so far.

Retired FBI agent cites 40-year-old case

Jennifer Coffindaffer shared her views in a July 17 post on X, comparing Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance with the case of Thelma Gaston, whose remains were identified decades after she went missing.

She wrote: “Thelma Gaston/Nancy Guthrie. Thelma was a millionaire who went missing 40 years ago when she was 80 YO. Her remains were finally found near Sugarloaf Mountain in a desolate area. She was murdered by her paramore, Lawrence Remsen, who received life for killing her.”

Coffindaffer referred to Thelma Gaston’s case because, according to The New York Times, her remains were identified through advanced DNA testing decades after she disappeared in 1981. Coffindaffer believes that even old missing-person cases can still be solved if investigators continue searching.

Also Read: FBI arrests most wanted gangster Nitish Kaushal on US-Canada border

FBI investigation into Nancy Guthrie case

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home in Catalina Foothills. Investigators believe she was abducted during the early hours of February 1, and the investigation has remained active ever since. The case is being handled jointly by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

This is not the first time Coffindaffer has shared suggestions about the investigation. Earlier, she urged authorities to replace roadside billboards with updated images of the masked “Porch Guy” seen in doorbell camera footage outside Nancy’s home.

She also suggested investigators should “tickle the wire” by depositing money into the Bitcoin account linked to two alleged ransom demands, saying it could help generate new leads. She has also asked for a larger reward to encourage more people to come forward with information.

Also Read: Who is Zyaire Wilkins? FBI arrests student accused of using Steam games to steal cryptocurrency from victims

Savannah Guthrie has separately offered a $1 million reward in addition to other available reward money for information that helps investigators find her mother.

Even after months of investigation, authorities have not announced any arrests or named a suspect. The search for Nancy Guthrie remains ongoing as investigators continue to follow new leads.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sehjal Gupta

Sehjal Gupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times and is part of the US Desk. She covers a wide range of stories from the United States, including politics, sports, entertainment, breaking news, and major global developments. She enjoys working across different beats because every story brings a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore something different. Before joining Hindustan Times, Sehjal was part of The Times of India, where she headed the International Sports and US Streamers team. She reported on international sports, athlete stories, streamer news, and major developments from around the world. The role gave her the opportunity to work on a diverse range of stories while leading coverage across two evolving news categories. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and believes the experience taught her the importance of staying organised, managing priorities, and adapting to new challenges. Over the years, she has reported on a variety of topics and enjoys taking on stories that keep her curious and encourage her to look beyond the obvious. Expertise: International news, International/US sports, and streamer coverage. Interests: Global affairs, geopolitics, politics, and entertainment. Outside work, Sehjal loves travelling, watching movies, and exploring new places to eat. She enjoys discovering new cultures and believes that some of the best stories and experiences come from stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar places.

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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