Nancy Guthrie disappearance case: Former FBI official Dan Bongino suggests theories beyond abduction: 'Ransom may mask a larger crime'
Indiatimes February 11, 2026 04:39 PM
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘
Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie, has gripped the nation, drawing widespread attention and speculation. While authorities continue to treat the case as a likely kidnapping, former FBI deputy Dan Bongino has raised new questions that add a darker dimension to the mystery.
In a conversation with
Fox News host Sean Hannity, Bongino outlined three possible explanations for Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. “The first is straightforward: an intended kidnapping for ransom,” he said, aligning with official investigations. However, he cautioned that other scenarios should not be dismissed.
Alternative theories surface online
Bongino proposed a second possibility: the incident may have started as a routine crime, such as a burglary, which escalated unexpectedly. “Someone could have been at the house, something went wrong, and then others tried to exploit the situation with a ransom demand,” he explained. This theory suggests the abduction could be a cover for opportunistic criminal activity rather than a premeditated plot.
The third theory he raised is equally unsettling: a medical emergency or unforeseen incident could have occurred, with the initial impression of kidnapping masking another cause. “When a person cannot be located immediately, either highly skilled operators are involved, or the story as it has been told may not reflect the full truth,” Bongino added. His remarks underscore the need for investigators to remain open to all possibilities as the case evolves.
Ransom deadline passes amid renewed appeals
Authorities in Arizona confirmed that Nancy Guthrie was likely taken from her Tucson home while she slept on February 2. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have yet been identified. A ransom note demanded $6 million in cryptocurrency, setting a firm deadline that has now passed without payment or further contact.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie appealed to the public for help, describing the situation as “an hour of desperation.” She urged anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or holds information about her mother’s disappearance to come forward. “We believe our mum is still out there,” she said, highlighting the family’s ongoing fear and uncertainty.
Renewed public interest and investigative pressure
The case has sparked wider attention due to new developments and the involvement of high-profile figures. Bongino’s theories, while speculative, emphasise the complexity of the investigation and the need for careful scrutiny of all leads. Law enforcement continues to analyse video footage and other evidence, while the public is encouraged to assist in piecing together the events surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
As the investigation continues, questions about what truly happened remain unresolved. Whether the case is a calculated kidnapping, an unexpected crime, or something entirely different, the search for answers has intensified, underscoring the precarious balance between caution, speculation, and hope for resolution.
