In Tucson, Arizona, the FBI’s decision to increase the reward for information about the whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie is being closely watched. Former FBI officials suggest this move is part of a careful strategy as the investigation enters its second week.
Scott Duffey, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, believes the reward increase could be aimed at someone close to those involved. He noted that while the public is generally helpful, a higher reward might encourage someone with inside knowledge to come forward. Drawing on his experience with fugitive cases, Duffey said valuable tips often come from people connected to the individuals being sought. The FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list, which offers million-dollar rewards, operates on the same principle: seeking information from within.
While leads in the Guthrie case are consistent, Duffey cautioned that they may not all be valuable. He stressed that money alone doesn’t solve cases, citing an example where someone simply did the right thing, not because of a reward.
Nicole Parker, another former FBI agent, said the reward increase is about motivating people to provide stronger tips. The hope is that the increased reward will generate more credible information that could lead to finding Nancy Guthrie. Parker also suggested this could be a response to attempts to profit from the situation, such as someone asking for Bitcoin in exchange for details.
Joe Cardinale, a former FBI supervisory special agent, sees the increase as a natural progression in the investigation. He pointed out that as the search continues without success, increasing the reward encourages people to re-examine their memories and security footage. It prompts them to check their cameras and see if they might have captured something relevant.
Cardinale also addressed speculation about the Bitcoin demand, explaining that legitimate reward procedures require contacting the FBI directly. Information is kept confidential, and the reward is given only if the information leads to an arrest. Demanding payment upfront without providing information can lead to arrest for extortion.
On the ground, investigators appear to be expanding their search perimeter, possibly to rule out the involvement of an individual seen near a vehicle carrying backpacks. Cardinale emphasized the need to use all available resources, such as dogs, drones, and helicopters, to conduct thorough searches for evidence.
Investigators also appear to be protecting forensic details to prevent anyone from knowing what they are focusing on.
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance:
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January 31, 2026
- 9:30–9:45 p.m.: Family drops Nancy off at home.
- 9:50 p.m.: Garage door closes.
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February 1, 2026
- 1:47 a.m.: Doorbell camera disconnects.
- 2:12 a.m.: Security camera detects motion.
- 2:28 a.m.: Pacemaker disconnects from phone application.
- 11:56 a.m.: Family checks on Nancy after she misses weekly church livestream gathering.
- 12:03 p.m.: 911 is called.
- 12:15 p.m.: Sheriff’s deputies arrive at home.
The authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist in bringing Nancy Guthrie home.
