Nancy Guthrie disappearance timeline: From 911 call to first ransom note and all the twists and turns of the case that gripped America
Savannah Guthrie's life was turned upside-down when her mother mysteriously vanished from her rural Arizona home in what became a captivating kidnapping case that gripped the country.
Instead of jet-setting to Milan for the Winter Olympics, the Today Show anchor was forced into a nightmarish sequence of events, involving ransom notes, video pleas and a desperate hunt for her elderly mother.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on February 1 after failing to attend her weekly church service. She was last seen at home the night before, having been dropped off after a dinner with her daughter, Annie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni.
As the exhaustive search nears the two week mark, police detained a person of interest in the case near Tucson.
Delivery driver Carlos Palazeulos was taken into custody near the Mexican Border but was released the following morning after authorities searched his home.
The 36-year-old has protested his innocence, stating that he did not know who Savannah or her mother were.
FBI Kash Patel confirmed that his agency is examining 'multiple' persons of interest in the case but provided no further information on who the individuals are. The agency is following up on chilling surveillance footage that pictures an armed suspect with a ski mask and backpack dismantling a camera outside of Nancy's home hours before her disappearance.
With Nancy still missing, the Daily Mail has put together a timeline of the investigation so far.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today host Savannah, mysteriously disappeared on February 1
Investigators said she was last seen on January 31 getting dropped off at home after an evening with her daughter, Annie. Ten days after she disappeared, investigators uncovered a video of an unidentified masked individual in front of her home
Nancy disappeared in the early hours of February 1 from her rural home in Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, January 31 - The night before Nancy disappeared
The Saturday before Nancy was declared missing was nothing out of the ordinary. She went to her daughter's house for game night and dinner, then returned home after a few hours.
5.32pm - Nancy takes an Uber to her daughter Annie’s house in Tucson, about four miles from her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood.
9.48pm - After enjoying dinner and games, Nancy is driven home by Annie's husband, Tommaso Cioni, and dropped off at her $1 million home. Her garage door opens and Cioni is believed to be the last person who sees her.
9.50pm - Nancy enters through the garage door, something Cioni later tells police he watches her do.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says at a news conference a few days later that authorities believe she most likely went to bed after arriving at home.
Nancy was reported missing on February 1, launching an exhaustive search
Sunday, February 1 - The day she's declared missing
Investigators believed Nancy was taken from her home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
1.47am - Nancy's Nest Camera on her front door is disconnected.
2.12am - The device’s software detects a person on camera. Nanos said during an initial press conference that an analysis team found that the footage ‘kind of loops right and covers up’ because there was no subscription link to the camera.
2.28am - Nancy’s pacemaker, an implanted medical device that regulates a person’s heart rate, disconnects from her phone and Apple Watch. Her Apple Watch was later recovered from her home.
11am - A Tucson local who attends church virtually with Nancy notifies her family that she does not turn up to the service, something very out of character.
11.56am - Nancy’s relatives arrive at her home and discover she is not there.
12.03pm - The Guthrie family calls 911 to report Nancy missing.
12.15pm - Officers with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrive at her home and determine she is missing under ‘concerning’ circumstances. During their initial search, law enforcement finds blood on the front door that is later confirmed to be Nancy's.
Prima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is one of the leading investigators in the case
Investigators expressed concern for 84-year-old Nancy's health after she was taken
Monday, February 2 - Authorities declare crime scene and Savannah speaks out
Sheriff Nanos and FBI special agent Heith Janke hold a press conference announcing that Nancy's home is a crime scene and they believe that she ‘did not leave on her own’.
Authorities also offer chilling details on Nancy's health condition, revealing that she needs daily prescription medication to survive.
Later that evening, a Tucson news station, KOLD-TV, says it has received a ransom note around 5pm.
News Director Jessica Boubula says the letter included demands for $4 million in Bitcoin, with a deadline of February 5.
Savannah then breaks her silence, asking for prayers in an Instagram post.
'Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment,' she writes.
'Bring her home,' Savannah concludes.
Video footage from a front door Ring Camera was removed, and blood was found when investigators first searched the home
Tuesday, February 3 - Ransom notes surface
TMZ and local CNN affiliate KGUN also report receiving ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin.
The notes are handed to the sheriff's office for review. Sheriff Nanos addresses the media later in the day and confirms they received the notes, but doesn't confirm their validity.
Donald Trump breaks his silence on the case, telling reporters in the Oval Office that Nancy's disappearance was 'terrible' and a 'very unusual situation.'
He adds that he 'always got along good with Savannah' and plans to call her.
Police have continued to comb through Nancy's home since she disappeared over a week ago
Wednesday, February 4 - Siblings plead with alleged captor
Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, share an emotional video on Instagram, pleading with their mother's alleged captor.
The Today Show host holds back tears as she thanks the public for the support and describes Nancy as a beloved grandmother and devoted mother.
'Momma, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,' Annie added.
Savannah says Nancy has a weak heart and lives in constant pain. She then issues a message to the alleged kidnapper, asking for proof of life.
'We are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,' Savannah says.
A ransom text is sent to Annie and Cioni by a Los Angeles man, Derrick Callella. He is later arrested for sending a fake ransom demand to the couple, prosecutors say.
Trump writes on Truth Social that he spoke to Savannah, adding, 'I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.
'We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.'
Thursday, February 5 - Blood droplets confirmed as Nancy's and first ransom deadline passes
Sheriff Nanos says that blood droplets found on Nancy’s front porch come back as a match to her.
He also notes that police are no closer to finding a suspect, but still, no one is ruled out. A $50,000 reward is announced by the FBI.
The first ransom deadline also passes at 5pm local time. At the same time, Nancy’s only son, Camron Guthrie, shares a video of himself pleading for those responsible for his mother’s disappearance to contact the family.
'Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,' he says.
'We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.'
Sheriff Nanos confirmed on February 5 that the blood on the front door found by investigators belonged to Nancy
Media waiting outside the home on February 9 as the search for Nancy continues
Friday, February 6 - Search intensifies and second ransom note revealed
A second ransom note is sent to KOLD around 11.45am. It does not contain any further demands or provide any proof of life.
The sheriff’s department reveals they are ‘aware of a new message regarding Nancy Guthrie’ and are examining it ‘for its authenticity’.
KOLD anchor Mary Coleman writes on social media that this note comes from a different IP address than the first.
Bobula, the station's director, said the second note doesn't resemble a ransom letter or provide proof of life.
'It seems as if they [the alleged sender] are trying to indicate that only the sender of the previous email would know this detail,' Bobula tells NBC News.
KGUN 9 also comes forward, claiming that the outlet and several others were sent a message demanding $6 million in Bitcoin by Monday at 5pm local time, or they would reportedly threaten Nancy’s life. Authorities do not publicly confirm the validity of any of the ransom letters.
Detectives scour the roof of Nancy’s home and reportedly recover a security camera they previously missed. During the search, they also tow a dark SUV from her garage.
Police seize surveillance camera footage from a local gas station. A Circle K spokesperson confirms that they turned over the footage after police received a 'tip' regarding a 'vehicle of interest.'
Trump addresses the case to reporters on Air Force One, suggesting that 'a lot of things have happened' in the last few hours.
A vehicle was seen being towed from Nancy's residence during a search on February 6
Saturday, February 7 - Second video message and late-night search
Savannah and her siblings share a second video message addressing their mother's potential captor.
'We've received your message, and we understand. We beg you now, to return our mother to us,' Savannah pleads while holding her siblings' hands in the clip posted on Instagram.
Investigators carry out a late-night search of Annie’s home. They are seen taking photographs inside the property for several hours until around 10.30pm local time. Authorities do not say what, if any, new evidence has been collected.
Drone footage is released showing investigators removing a floodlight from Nancy’s home amid revelations that a ransom note specifically references the fixture.
Missing person billboards are erected across the Southwestern states with Nancy’s image and description on them.
The search intensified, resulting in digital billboards erected across major cities in the Southwest with an FBI tip line
Sunday, February 8 - Investigators search septic tank
Pima County investigators are spotted using a pole to search the inside of a septic tank located behind Nancy’s home.
Former SWAT team captain Josh Schirard tells the Daily Mail that people tend to ‘forget’ that wastewater does not go into a city sewer, but instead into the tank.
Around 1pm, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office posts on X that they have no suspects or persons of interest identified, a week after Nancy was first reported missing.
Monday, February 9 - Still no person of interest
Water is seen shooting out of a sprinkler at Nancy’s home as investigators continue the search for her.
A security camera is removed from the exterior of Nancy's home.
The search continues, as Nancy's heartbroken family carries on their painstaking wait for answers.
At 5pm local time, the second ransom deadline passes.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department release separate statements saying that after nine days, they still don't have a suspect or persons of interest in the case.
The FBI adds that it is unaware of any continued contact between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers.
'Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home,' the FBI says.
Savannah posts a solo video on Instagram, thanking her community for prayers during the second week of her 'nightmare.'
She says that she and her siblings believe their mom is still out there, and they need help from the public.
'She was taken and we don't know where,' Savannah says about her mom.
Tuesday, February 10 - Delivery driver detained as shocking footage is released
On the tenth day of the search, the FBI releases shocking surveillance footage earlier the same day showing a masked figure wearing black latex gloves approach Nancy's door.
'As of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance,' FBI director Kash Patel states.
Law enforcement initially could not access the footage because of Nancy's Nest Camera subscription.
Patel explains that authorities conducted a deep dive into backend systems to recover the surveillance footage.
Later on that day, delivery driver Carlos Palazeulos, 36, is detained by the police in connection with the case following a traffic stop in Arizona.
Law enforcement conducts a search of his Rio Rico home in Arizona, near the Mexican border.
At the same time, local SWAT teams, a bomb squad and the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team are deployed to the city.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on February 10 that investigators uncovered footage of a masked individual approaching Nancy's home in the early hours of her disappearance
The uncovered video footage revealed a masked figure wearing black latex gloves and appearing to tamper with a Nest Camera
The individual also had a backpack and was armed with a weapon. Patel said the footage was previously inaccessible when authorities first searched the property
The individual is seen tampering with the doorbell camera while wearing a ski mask, a sweatshirt, and long pants.
The masked figure ripped the camera from its holder. A gun is seen inside a holster, and the alleged captor seemed to have a penlight in their mouth.
Another video revealed the individual attempting to cover the lens with a clenched fist, searching the area around the door, ripping a bunch of flowers from the entranceway and waving them at the camera.
Savannah also shares images of the masked figure on her Instagram, writing, 'We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.'
Investigators are seen back at Annie Guthrie's home, going door to door asking neighbors and local business owners for any information on Nancy.
Patel later tells Fox that there are 'multiple' people being looked at in connection with the investigation without providing further detail.
Wednesday, February 11 - Palazeulos is released and TMZ receives a ransom note
Palazeulos is released from custody after 1am on Wednesday without any charge.
The delivery driver later talks to the press outside his home near Interstate 19, where he protests his innocence.
'They held me against my will, they didn't even read me my rights two hours in,' he says.
When asked if he had known who Nancy was, he tells reporters 'no' and that he had been followed by police while out on deliveries.
'They told me to stop moving. What the f*** am I doing here? I didn’t do anything to be honest, I’m innocent.'
Delivery driver Carlos Palazeulos, 36, was detained by the police in connection with the Nancy Guthrie case following a traffic stop in Arizona
Palazeulos adds that he had no idea who Savannah was, either, saying he did not watch the news and that officers had not asked him any questions.
He continues: 'I hope they find the suspect, cause I'm not it - they better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name.'
Palazeulos also adds that while he was in custody, police searched his home, where he lives with his wife, children and in-laws.
TMZ reported that the outlet had received an email asking for 1 Bitcoin in exchange for the name of Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, although no details were released.
Thursday, February 12 -TMZ receives a follow up to ransom note
After 8am PST on Thursday, TMZ claimed to receive a second email from the same person who sent the ransom note the afternoon before. The author disturbingly alleged 'I am not being taken seriously.'
Further 'ominous' statements were said to have been made in the email. TMZ claims to be cooperating with law enforcement by not disclosing specifics.
A single Bitcoin is currently worth around $65,000.
The anonymous email author claimed in the note that they will need money 'to lay low after identifying the kidnapper for fear of retaliation.'
They further noted concerned over being 'incriminated like that Carlos guy.'
TMZ has not published any of the ransom notes the outlet claims to have received.
Friday, February 13 -Arizona sheriff Chris Nanos hits back at claims that department is 'withholding evidence
Arizona sheriff Chris Nanos was said to be blocking FBI access to key evidence in the investigation into the abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother, a source told Reuters on Thursday.
The FBI asked Pima County Sheriff head Nanos for physical evidence in the case, including a glove and DNA from the home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, to be processed at the FBI's national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.
Sheriff Nanos has insisted instead on using a private lab in Florida.
On Friday, he slammed claims that his department was 'withholding evidence' as 'not even close to the truth.'
'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it – mile, mile and a half...' he continued.
'I said "No, why do that? Let’s just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist." They agreed, makes sense.'
The sheriff also argued that the gloves found at the scene by FBI investigators may not be as valuable as initially thought as police found multiple pairs on the side of the road near Nancy's home.
'We don’t even know the true value of these gloves,' Nanos said, claiming there was 'quite a number of them.'
Saturday, February 14 - SWAT raid on house and traffic stop
A SWAT team raided a house two miles from Nancy Guthrie's property in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Around the same time, a Range Rover Sport was pulled over by the FBI outside a fast food restaurant in the city.
Ultimately, no arrests were made.
Sheriff Nanos told The New York Times he feared the search to bring home Nancy may take years.
Sunday February 15 - glove breakthrough
A glove found two miles from Nancy's house is believed to be one of the ones worn by the figure seen on her doorbell camera.
It has been sent to an FBI lab for DNA testing, with results expected soon.
Savannah Guthrie issued a fresh plea for information about her missing mother, urging the abductor to do 'the right thing.'
Monday February 16 - family cleared as suspects
Sheriff Nanos announced all members of Nancy's family had been cleared by his investigators.
Earlier in the investigation, Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni found himself facing online speculation after he and wife Annie - Nancy's daughter - spent her final evening with her before she went missing.
Cioni was never named as a suspect and Monday's announcement brings his ordeal to an end.
