Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MOM MISSING: Day 16
Date: February 16, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Panelists: Dave Mack, Josh Colesrud, Tammy Ballard, Brian Fitzgibbons, Scott Eichert, Dr. Bethany Marshall, Rob Shuter

Overview of the Episode

On day 16 of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Nancy Grace and her expert panel dissect the latest developments in the investigation, including new DNA findings, questions about scene contamination, emerging technology like the use of drones to track Nancy's pacemaker, and the public plea made by her daughter, Savannah Guthrie. The conversation navigates the complexities of the evidence, criminal procedure, and the emotional toll the case is taking on all involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Savannah Guthrie’s Heartbreaking Plea

[00:12] Savannah Guthrie appears, exhausted and emotionally raw, issuing a direct plea to her mother’s captors. She implores them to “do the right thing” and stresses, "it's never too late" to come forward, emphasizing her family’s continued hope.
- Quote: “We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.” – Savannah Guthrie ([00:50])
- Analysis: Dr. Bethany Marshall later notes that Savannah’s tone is meant to evoke empathy in the perpetrator, conveying no threat or anger, only a profound request for mercy ([30:41]).

Ransom Outreach and Ransom Demand

[01:28] A man, possibly involved or with knowledge, emails TMZ for the fourth time, repeating demands for $50,000 in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s location. He mentions seeing Nancy “south of the border” and hints that more than one person is involved.
- Quote: “I know what I saw 5 days ago south of the border...I know who he is, and that was definitely Nancy with them.” – "The Rat," emailer ([01:41])
- TMZ responds, offering to forward info to the FBI in exchange for proof ([02:35]).

DNA Evidence Surges Forward

[03:49] Dave Mack reveals a bombshell: DNA from someone not in close contact with Nancy was found at her home—an essential breakthrough.
- A black glove found 1.5 miles away contains male DNA matching gloves seen in surveillance video. This glove is now being tested for matches; results are potentially imminent.
- Quote: “DNA found at Nancy Guthrie's home has been determined to belong to someone not in close contact with Nancy Guthrie. This is explosive information...it's the first indicator we have.” – Dave Mack ([03:49])
[06:07] 16 other unrelated gloves have been collected, ranging in color and type, raising significant chain-of-custody issues.
- Quote: “Sixteen other gloves...have been found in this investigation...range in color, from red to brown to black.” – Dave Mack ([06:07])

Legal and Investigative Complications

[06:34] Criminal defense attorney Josh Colesrud points out the evidentiary nightmare posed by 16 unrelated gloves at the scene, making prosecution challenging.
- Quote: “The 16 gloves are a huge problem for the prosecution...this is beyond imagination that they could do this and contaminate the crime scene.” – Josh Colesrud ([07:41])

DNA Testing & the Role of CODIS

[08:19] DNA expert Tammy Ballard describes the forensic process—using STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis, uploading results to CODIS, and, if needed, forensic genetic genealogy.
- CODIS Limitations: Only convicts and prior samples are in the database; familial or partial matches can provide leads, as in the Golden State Killer case ([11:54], [13:56]).
- Genealogy: Law enforcement is limited to searching GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, not 23andMe or Ancestry, due to privacy ([15:06]).
- Quote: “If they do want to do a genealogy search...there’s more information to glean...all that can happen pretty much now simultaneously.” – Tammy Ballard ([13:56])

High-Profile Law Enforcement Actions

[17:08] Over the weekend, SWAT teams detained four people—three at a Tucson home, one in a Range Rover—but released all after questioning. Disappointment mounts as another "catch and release" occurs ([18:24]).

Digital Investigation & Phone Tracking

[19:55] Scott Eichert explains cell tower dumping—gathering thousands of phone numbers present in the area at the time of the disappearance, with an emphasis on identifying "burner phones."
- Quote: “Most of the criminal world uses burner phones...you don’t have to put a real name or a real address.” – Scott Eichert ([23:42])

The Walmart Connection

Suspect’s attire and backpack identified as Walmart purchases; FBI reviews intensive Walmart surveillance to trace transactions and match the timeline ([20:46], [22:22]).
Walmart also a likely source for the burner phone, further complicating efforts to trace the buyer due to anonymous cash purchases ([24:28]).

Tech in the Search: Drones & Pacemaker Tracking

[25:30] New technology: low-flying drones with Bluetooth sniffers are being deployed to detect the signal from Nancy’s pacemaker, providing a glimmer of hope in both the neighborhood and desert ([25:30], [26:31]).
- Quote: “These drones can zero in on the signal that pacemaker creates, to filter out all the noise...” – Brian Fitzgibbons ([28:05])
- Debate: Was this tech deployed too late? Concerns that media coverage of these tactics may tip off perpetrators, risking evidence destruction ([33:37]).

Behavioral Analysis

Dr. Bethany Marshall builds a profile of the likely suspect: a male, Hispanic or swarthy-complexioned, 5'9”–5'11”, medium build, possibly a low-level “foot soldier” with limited sophistication. Speculates he may be connected to Nancy’s medical community ([36:57]).

DNA Phenotyping

[39:37] Discussion of biogeographical and phenotypic DNA analysis, which can predict suspect’s ancestry and physical features, enhancing law enforcement’s profile ([39:49]).

Emotional and Media Impact

[42:16] PR expert Rob Shuter discusses Savannah Guthrie as genuine and kind, highlighting the cruel irony of public attacks against her during her family’s crisis. He shares personal anecdotes of Savannah’s character and dismisses the online hate as irrelevant to her real-life kindness ([42:16]–[47:12]).
Savannah’s potential long-term absence from the Today Show is raised, but panel consensus is that the main concern is finding Nancy.

Physical Evidence: The Holster

[48:54] Dave Mack reveals the cheap polyester holster seen on the suspect's video is only in stock at two of twelve Tucson Walmart stores, potentially narrowing the timeline and purchasing location ([49:14]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Savannah Guthrie’s heartfelt plea:
“We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.” ([00:50])
On the cascade of gloves:
“Sixteen other gloves... dropped there by volunteers or people working for law enforcement, like it’s beyond imagination that they could do this and contaminate the crime scene.” – Josh Colesrud ([07:41])
On the challenge with burner phones:
“You can buy a burner phone under any name, not your own...” – Nancy Grace ([24:28])
On drone tech and pacemaker search:
“These drones can zero in on the signal that pacemaker creates, to filter out all the noise.” – Brian Fitzgibbons ([28:05])
On public empathy and blame:
“She's not coming out harsh or angry or ‘we’re going to come after you’... she is soft, she is engaged... She’s looking into someone’s eyes and heart.” – Dr. Bethany Marshall ([30:41])
On Savannah’s resilience and public perception:
“She’s the real deal... She was always nice to the crew. She was always nice to the guests. She was always nice to the producers.” – Rob Shuter ([42:16])
Legal insight on conflicting jurisdictions:
"...what's interesting...is that on Friday, the feds executed a federal search warrant, not a state search warrant. And this could be an indication of the friction that is happening between the feds and the state." – Josh Colesrud ([32:12])
On media and online hate:
“You open yourself up to a lot of criticism... but she’s focused on family. She’s focused on getting her mom back.” – Rob Shuter ([44:57])

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:12] – Savannah Guthrie’s direct plea
[01:28] – The “Rat’s” ransom email to TMZ
[03:49] – DNA evidence bombshell revealed
[06:07] – Glove evidence and contamination issue
[08:19] – DNA/custody process explained
[11:54] – CODIS and genealogy discussion
[13:56] – Limitations and familial matching in CODIS
[17:08] – Recap of SWAT actions and mass detainment
[19:55] – Cell tower dump and phone data analysis
[20:46]/[22:22] – Walmart purchases and investigation
[23:42] – Burner phone complexities
[25:30] – Drones searching for pacemaker signal
[30:41]/[36:57] – Dr. Bethany Marshall’s behavioral analysis
[39:49] – Phenotyping for suspect profiling
[42:16] – Rob Shuter on Savannah Guthrie’s character
[49:14] – Unique holster trace

Summary & Takeaway

This episode blends forensic breakthroughs with sobering reminders of the investigation’s challenges—contamination, anonymous suspects, and the emotional weight borne by families. Law enforcement is pushing forward with modern tech and database searches, but the case remains perilous and uncertain. Elaine Guthrie’s family—and the nation—are waiting, hoping for a breakthrough.

Nancy Grace’s signature urgency and empathy anchor a conversation that is both deeply analytical and deeply human, underscoring the stakes in every new scrap of evidence and every public or private plea for mercy.

If you have information, contact authorities at 800-225-5324 or 520-882-7463.

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Savannah Guthrie’s Heartbreaking Plea

[00:12] Savannah Guthrie appears, exhausted and emotionally raw, issuing a direct plea to her mother’s captors. She implores them to “do the right thing” and stresses, "it's never too late" to come forward, emphasizing her family’s continued hope.
- Quote: “We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.” – Savannah Guthrie ([00:50])
- Analysis: Dr. Bethany Marshall later notes that Savannah’s tone is meant to evoke empathy in the perpetrator, conveying no threat or anger, only a profound request for mercy ([30:41]).

Ransom Outreach and Ransom Demand

[01:28] A man, possibly involved or with knowledge, emails TMZ for the fourth time, repeating demands for $50,000 in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s location. He mentions seeing Nancy “south of the border” and hints that more than one person is involved.
- Quote: “I know what I saw 5 days ago south of the border...I know who he is, and that was definitely Nancy with them.” – "The Rat," emailer ([01:41])
- TMZ responds, offering to forward info to the FBI in exchange for proof ([02:35]).

DNA Evidence Surges Forward

[03:49] Dave Mack reveals a bombshell: DNA from someone not in close contact with Nancy was found at her home—an essential breakthrough.
- A black glove found 1.5 miles away contains male DNA matching gloves seen in surveillance video. This glove is now being tested for matches; results are potentially imminent.
- Quote: “DNA found at Nancy Guthrie's home has been determined to belong to someone not in close contact with Nancy Guthrie. This is explosive information...it's the first indicator we have.” – Dave Mack ([03:49])
[06:07] 16 other unrelated gloves have been collected, ranging in color and type, raising significant chain-of-custody issues.
- Quote: “Sixteen other gloves...have been found in this investigation...range in color, from red to brown to black.” – Dave Mack ([06:07])

Legal and Investigative Complications

[06:34] Criminal defense attorney Josh Colesrud points out the evidentiary nightmare posed by 16 unrelated gloves at the scene, making prosecution challenging.
- Quote: “The 16 gloves are a huge problem for the prosecution...this is beyond imagination that they could do this and contaminate the crime scene.” – Josh Colesrud ([07:41])

DNA Testing & the Role of CODIS

[08:19] DNA expert Tammy Ballard describes the forensic process—using STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis, uploading results to CODIS, and, if needed, forensic genetic genealogy.
- CODIS Limitations: Only convicts and prior samples are in the database; familial or partial matches can provide leads, as in the Golden State Killer case ([11:54], [13:56]).
- Genealogy: Law enforcement is limited to searching GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, not 23andMe or Ancestry, due to privacy ([15:06]).
- Quote: “If they do want to do a genealogy search...there’s more information to glean...all that can happen pretty much now simultaneously.” – Tammy Ballard ([13:56])

High-Profile Law Enforcement Actions

[17:08] Over the weekend, SWAT teams detained four people—three at a Tucson home, one in a Range Rover—but released all after questioning. Disappointment mounts as another "catch and release" occurs ([18:24]).

Digital Investigation & Phone Tracking

[19:55] Scott Eichert explains cell tower dumping—gathering thousands of phone numbers present in the area at the time of the disappearance, with an emphasis on identifying "burner phones."
- Quote: “Most of the criminal world uses burner phones...you don’t have to put a real name or a real address.” – Scott Eichert ([23:42])

The Walmart Connection

Suspect’s attire and backpack identified as Walmart purchases; FBI reviews intensive Walmart surveillance to trace transactions and match the timeline ([20:46], [22:22]).
Walmart also a likely source for the burner phone, further complicating efforts to trace the buyer due to anonymous cash purchases ([24:28]).

Tech in the Search: Drones & Pacemaker Tracking

[25:30] New technology: low-flying drones with Bluetooth sniffers are being deployed to detect the signal from Nancy’s pacemaker, providing a glimmer of hope in both the neighborhood and desert ([25:30], [26:31]).
- Quote: “These drones can zero in on the signal that pacemaker creates, to filter out all the noise...” – Brian Fitzgibbons ([28:05])
- Debate: Was this tech deployed too late? Concerns that media coverage of these tactics may tip off perpetrators, risking evidence destruction ([33:37]).

Behavioral Analysis

Dr. Bethany Marshall builds a profile of the likely suspect: a male, Hispanic or swarthy-complexioned, 5'9”–5'11”, medium build, possibly a low-level “foot soldier” with limited sophistication. Speculates he may be connected to Nancy’s medical community ([36:57]).

DNA Phenotyping

[39:37] Discussion of biogeographical and phenotypic DNA analysis, which can predict suspect’s ancestry and physical features, enhancing law enforcement’s profile ([39:49]).

Emotional and Media Impact

[42:16] PR expert Rob Shuter discusses Savannah Guthrie as genuine and kind, highlighting the cruel irony of public attacks against her during her family’s crisis. He shares personal anecdotes of Savannah’s character and dismisses the online hate as irrelevant to her real-life kindness ([42:16]–[47:12]).
Savannah’s potential long-term absence from the Today Show is raised, but panel consensus is that the main concern is finding Nancy.

Physical Evidence: The Holster

[48:54] Dave Mack reveals the cheap polyester holster seen on the suspect's video is only in stock at two of twelve Tucson Walmart stores, potentially narrowing the timeline and purchasing location ([49:14]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Savannah Guthrie’s heartfelt plea:
“We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.” ([00:50])
On the cascade of gloves:
“Sixteen other gloves... dropped there by volunteers or people working for law enforcement, like it’s beyond imagination that they could do this and contaminate the crime scene.” – Josh Colesrud ([07:41])
On the challenge with burner phones:
“You can buy a burner phone under any name, not your own...” – Nancy Grace ([24:28])
On drone tech and pacemaker search:
“These drones can zero in on the signal that pacemaker creates, to filter out all the noise.” – Brian Fitzgibbons ([28:05])
On public empathy and blame:
“She's not coming out harsh or angry or ‘we’re going to come after you’... she is soft, she is engaged... She’s looking into someone’s eyes and heart.” – Dr. Bethany Marshall ([30:41])
On Savannah’s resilience and public perception:
“She’s the real deal... She was always nice to the crew. She was always nice to the guests. She was always nice to the producers.” – Rob Shuter ([42:16])
Legal insight on conflicting jurisdictions:
"...what's interesting...is that on Friday, the feds executed a federal search warrant, not a state search warrant. And this could be an indication of the friction that is happening between the feds and the state." – Josh Colesrud ([32:12])
On media and online hate:
“You open yourself up to a lot of criticism... but she’s focused on family. She’s focused on getting her mom back.” – Rob Shuter ([44:57])

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:12] – Savannah Guthrie’s direct plea
[01:28] – The “Rat’s” ransom email to TMZ
[03:49] – DNA evidence bombshell revealed
[06:07] – Glove evidence and contamination issue
[08:19] – DNA/custody process explained
[11:54] – CODIS and genealogy discussion
[13:56] – Limitations and familial matching in CODIS
[17:08] – Recap of SWAT actions and mass detainment
[19:55] – Cell tower dump and phone data analysis
[20:46]/[22:22] – Walmart purchases and investigation
[23:42] – Burner phone complexities
[25:30] – Drones searching for pacemaker signal
[30:41]/[36:57] – Dr. Bethany Marshall’s behavioral analysis
[39:49] – Phenotyping for suspect profiling
[42:16] – Rob Shuter on Savannah Guthrie’s character
[49:14] – Unique holster trace

Summary & Takeaway

If you have information, contact authorities at 800-225-5324 or 520-882-7463.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MOM MISSING: Day 16

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Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Savannah Guthrie’s Heartbreaking Plea

Ransom Outreach and Ransom Demand

DNA Evidence Surges Forward

Legal and Investigative Complications

DNA Testing & the Role of CODIS

High-Profile Law Enforcement Actions

Digital Investigation & Phone Tracking

The Walmart Connection

Tech in the Search: Drones & Pacemaker Tracking

Behavioral Analysis

DNA Phenotyping

Emotional and Media Impact

Physical Evidence: The Holster

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

Summary & Takeaway

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Savannah Guthrie’s Heartbreaking Plea

Ransom Outreach and Ransom Demand

DNA Evidence Surges Forward

Legal and Investigative Complications

DNA Testing & the Role of CODIS

High-Profile Law Enforcement Actions

Digital Investigation & Phone Tracking

The Walmart Connection

Tech in the Search: Drones & Pacemaker Tracking

Behavioral Analysis

DNA Phenotyping

Emotional and Media Impact

Physical Evidence: The Holster

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps for Major Segments

Summary & Takeaway