Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Title: Desperate Search For Nancy Guthrie Enters Week 4 | Crime Alert 6AM 02.23.26

Episode Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in Arizona, which has entered its fourth week. The episode also covers a new sexual assault case involving a nurse in Florida and the tragic resolution of a missing persons case in Georgia. The host, Nicole Parton, delivers concise updates and insights, featuring law enforcement commentary and direct quotes from those involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nancy Guthrie Disappearance—Arizona Investigation Update

• Background: Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31st, last seen at her home.
• Investigative Efforts: The Pima County Sheriff's Department and FBI are leading the search with hundreds of personnel dedicated (00:00–01:15).
• Surveillance Evidence: Earlier this month, the FBI released footage showing a masked person tampering with the Guthrie home’s doorbell camera on the day Nancy vanished. This person remains unidentified, but family members have all been cleared as suspects (01:02–01:30).
• Public Involvement: Reward for information leading to Nancy’s return or charges has exceeded $200,000 as of February 1st (01:18).
• Neighborhood Canvassing: Detectives canvassed the Guthrie neighborhood on February 21st as part of “ongoing investigation” (01:34).
• Found Evidence: A backpack was discovered by volunteers, but does not match the one seen in surveillance footage (01:40).
• Masked Suspect: Progress is being made in identifying the masked individual, including analysis of additional clothing items (01:50).
• DNA Analysis: Investigators are analyzing DNA found at the residence which does not match Nancy or known close contacts. Lab experts are working to separate complex DNA profiles (01:58–02:33).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheriff’s Determination:

  “They ask me, do I have proof of life? I ask them, is there proof of death? I'm going to have that faith and sometimes that faith, that hope is all we have. My team, 400 people out there in the field today woke up this morning and went out there with the hope and the belief that they're going to find Nancy.”
  — [B, 00:42]

• Investigative Commitment:

  “We are not quitting. We will find her.”
  — [Sheriff, paraphrased from Nicole Parton, 01:44]

2. Florida Nurse Sexual Assault Case

• Arrest Details: 34-year-old nurse Joy Vega arrested for alleged sexual battery while employed at Palms Wellington Surgical Center in Royal Palm Beach, Florida (03:23).
• Victim Reports: Two female patients allege they were assaulted upon waking from surgery, both naming Vega as their nurse (03:42).
• Ongoing Investigation: Law enforcement fears there might be more victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Alvarez at 561-688-4147 (03:50).

3. Missing Navy Veteran Case—Georgia

• Victim: Margaret Hanley, 72-year-old Navy veteran, missing from Jacksonville, FL, found deceased in Georgia (04:13).
• Discovery: Hanley’s SUV was found stuck in the mud on Old Hines Road with her body nearby (04:24).
• Financial Exploitation Suspected: Her son discovered large money transfers to an unknown individual before her disappearance, potentially indicating a scam (04:31).
• Background: Hanley suffered short-term memory loss; her travel pattern was unusual, raising concern for vulnerability (04:48).
• Investigation Status: Vehicle impounded, case open as authorities investigate possible exploitation (04:55).

Notable Quotes:

• Family’s Statement on Vulnerability:

  “She was very friendly and intelligent... I just don't understand how someone could exploit her like this.”
  — Jomo Thompson, son of Margaret Hanley [04:37]

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• Dedication of Law Enforcement: [00:42–01:02] — Emotional assertion of faith and determination by search team leader regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Surveillance Footage Clue: [01:02–01:30] — Details about masked suspect seen on doorbell camera day of disappearance.
• DNA Evidence Discussion: [01:58–02:33] — Update on biological evidence and lab work in Nancy Guthrie’s case.
• Florida Assault Arrest: [03:23–03:50] — Arrest announcement and call for more victims to come forward.
• Elder Scam/Disappearance: [04:13–04:55] — The heartbreaking discovery of Margaret Hanley and the financial exploitation suspicions.

Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains a serious, urgent tone consistent with crime news alerts. Nicole Parton’s delivery is concise, matter-of-fact, and empathetic when relaying victims’ stories and law enforcement’s pledges. Occasional direct quotes underscore the human impact behind crime statistics.

Conclusion

This installment of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delivers key updates on three major crime stories: the relentless search for Nancy Guthrie in Arizona, the arrest of a nurse accused of sexual assault in Florida, and the tragic finding of a missing veteran in Georgia. The episode offers direct insights from law enforcement and families, reinforcing the emotional and investigative stakes in each case.