Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MOM MISSING: DAY 20

Release Date: February 20, 2026 | Host: Nancy Grace

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV anchor Savannah Guthrie, now missing for 20 days. Nancy Grace leads a robust panel of experts to unpack new developments in the case, particularly the rising theory that an accomplice was involved in Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping, as well as dispelling rumors of Mexican cartel involvement. The episode provides in-depth scrutiny of surveillance footage, investigative missteps, forensic evidence, and the family’s harrowing ordeal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Theory of an Accomplice

• Accomplice Discussion Kicks Off (01:42–07:02)
  • Nancy Grace opens with a recap of Sheriff Nanos' public theory about an accomplice, criticizing the sheriff for revealing too much to the press.
  • She voices skepticism over the handling and sharing of investigative information:

    “Way to go, Nanos. You’re like a gumball machine. I said it last night. It’s up here. And it just comes out. You can’t stop it.” (01:42)

• Practical Need for Accomplice
  • Crime reporter Dave Mack frames the necessity of an accomplice, citing Nancy Guthrie’s advanced age and mobility issues:

    “…we don’t see a second person, but we know we’ve got an 84-year-old woman who lacks mobility and is going to need help to leave.” (04:43)

• Panelist Agreement
  • Former prosecutor Franz Burkhardt warns that public speculation from the sheriff only provides suspects with valuable insights and hampers the search (06:39).

2. Behavioral Clues & Surveillance Video Analysis

• Key Video Moments (10:30–13:06)
  • Nancy Grace and forensic professor Joe Scott Morgan dissect footage of the suspect. They highlight a possible “gesture” that may indicate communication with an unseen accomplice.
  • Joe Scott Morgan notes:

    “He actually takes it and slaps the top of his hand as he’s looking away from the camera. At that point in time, it’s very noticeable… it looks like he’s communicating with somebody right there.” (12:24)

  • Nancy underscores physical logistics, such as the maneuvering of an elderly person, reinforcing the likelihood of more than one perpetrator.

3. Backpack & Evidence Handling

• Discussion on Backpack (18:50–21:06)
  • Nancy persists with questions about the suspect’s backpack, noting its appearance and disappearance in footage as further evidence of another party’s involvement.
  • Security expert Brian Fitzgibbons adds context:

    “That backpack wouldn’t have just been placed on the ground randomly… he may have had tools either to gain access or to destroy that light, which we know was indeed destroyed on that side of the house.” (20:10)

4. Forensic and Psychological Analysis

• DNA and Biological Evidence (31:08–34:49)
  • Nancy probes recent statements about “biological matter” found at the scene.
  • Joe Scott Morgan explains possibilities, including the relevance of flora/fauna brought from outside if the perpetrators are not local (31:30).
• DNA Analysis Update
  • Both Nancy and Joe Scott Morgan express optimism about samples being analyzed at Othram Laboratories, renowned for cracking high-profile cold cases:

    “If anyone, and I mean anyone on the face of the planet, I can’t bang on enough about David Middleman. I think he is the Elon Musk of DNA.” – Joe Scott Morgan (33:23)

5. Dismissal of Mexican Cartel Theories

• Disproving Cartel Involvement (24:04–26:52)
  • Both Nancy and Brian Fitzgibbons debunk the idea that a Mexican cartel is behind the kidnapping:

    “This is a US citizen, high profile in nature. This is going to draw an incredible amount of media attention… an incredible amount of unwanted attention to the cartel from the US Federal government.” – Brian Fitzgibbons (26:04)

• Challenges in Mexican Searches
  • Brian Fitzgibbons outlines the difficulty of extracting missing U.S. citizens from Mexico due to corruption and cartel control, emphasizing that only federal diplomatic channels are effective (28:11–29:30).

6. Investigative Missteps & Law Enforcement Critique

• Throughout, Nancy and guests repeatedly question Sheriff Nanos’ handling of information, which may have compromised the investigation or emboldened suspects.

7. Case Status and Family Tribute

• Nancy defends Savannah Guthrie’s involvement and calls out distractions about her television career, centering the episode on the search and emotional toll for the family.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Law Enforcement's Loose Lips:

  “He needs to shut his hole and just. And stop. Because he’s not helping the investigation.” – Franz Burkhardt (06:39)

• On Forensic Progress:

  “If anyone… I can’t bang on enough about David Middleman. I think he is the Elon Musk of DNA.” – Joe Scott Morgan (33:23)

• On Perpetrators’ Behavior:

  “This was just a foot soldier that was sent forward… to disable that camera and gain entry to the house.” – Brian Fitzgibbons (18:11)

• On Debunking Cartel Involvement:

  “The cartel does not need Bitcoin from the Guthrie family.” – Franz Burkhardt (30:10)

Key Segment Timestamps

• Accomplice Theory, Investigation Mistakes: 01:42–07:02
• Video & Behavioral Analysis: 10:30–13:09
• Backpack & Entry/Exit Logistics: 18:50–21:06
• Cartel Theory Debunked: 24:04–26:52, 28:11–29:30
• Biological Matter & DNA Analysis: 31:08–34:49
• Reward & Appeal to Public: 37:05

Conclusion

This episode delivers a fast-paced, detailed breakdown of the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, with expert commentary scrutinizing evidence, law enforcement communication, and the psychology of the crime. The theory of an accomplice gains robust support, while cartel connections are largely dismissed. Forensic work and public awareness are presented as pivotal to solving the case. Nancy Grace ends with a heartfelt call to action for any information, underscoring the personal impact on the Guthrie family and the community.

Tip Line:

• Information: 800-225-5324 or 520-882-7463
• Reward: Over $200,000