Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Savannah Guthrie Quintuples Reward for Information Leading to Her Mom | Crime Alert 6AM 02.25.26
Date: February 25, 2026

Overview

This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" centers on the continued search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for 25 days. The show delivers key developments in this high-profile disappearance—including a staggering increase in the reward for information—and reviews other major crime stories making headlines, including a Utah poisoning trial, a cruise ship murder investigation, and a dramatic Amber Alert rescue.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

[00:03–02:39]

• Case Summary: Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in the Catalina foothills near Tucson on February 1st. Authorities suspect abduction from her bed during the night.
• Reward Increase: Savannah Guthrie and her family announce a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery, vastly increasing the incentive for leads. The family is also donating $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
• Savannah Guthrie’s Plea: Savannah appeals directly to the public, stating, “We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone. She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves.” [00:52]
• Law Enforcement Efforts & Public Response: Nearly 40,000 tips have been submitted, with hundreds of investigators searching the Tucson area. Authorities caution volunteers against unsanctioned searches, citing the risk of tampering with evidence and respect for private property.
• Notable Volunteer Involvement: The Mexican mothers’ search group "Las Madres Buscadores de Sonora" traveled from Mexico to Arizona to distribute flyers, though authorities clarify that there is no evidence Nancy is in Mexico and have denied volunteer search permits.
• Fraudulent Ransom Note: A California man is charged after a fake ransom note demanded cryptocurrency, complicating the investigation.
• Quote – Savannah Guthrie [01:01]:
  “But we need to know where she is. For that reason, we are offering a family reward of up to $1 million for any information that leads us to her recovery.”

2. Corey Richards Poisoning Trial (Utah)

[05:25–06:47]

• Case Overview: Corey Richards stands trial for allegedly poisoning her husband, Eric Richards, with fentanyl in March 2022. She is accused of killing him for financial gain and potential new relationships.
• Prosecution Evidence: Body cam footage is shown to jurors depicting Corey’s “unusual” demeanor. Deputy Vincent Wynn notes, “every time I spoke to Ms. Richins just seems like her face was in her hands and I couldn't see her face.” [06:10]
• Defense Stance: The defense claims the investigation was rushed and alternative explanations for Eric’s overdose weren’t fully considered.
• Key Forensics: Medical examiner Dr. Pamela Ulmer testifies Eric’s death resulted from a fentanyl overdose, ruling out other natural causes.

3. Carnival Cruise Ship Murder Case

[06:47–10:44]

• Victim: 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead under a bed in a cabin she shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother during a family cruise.
• Primary Suspect: The stepbrother, unnamed due to his minor status, is now formally charged (juvenile case sealed). Details emerge via custody filings after the trip.
• Circumstances: Anna reportedly felt ill the night before her death and returned to the cabin. Yelling was heard before the incident. She was found wrapped in a blanket and life jackets.
• Family Impact: The suspect was expelled from the home after the cruise; the case caused significant familial and legal turmoil.

4. Arizona Amber Alert and Rescue

[10:44–11:52]

• Incident Summary: A 3-year-old Arizona girl is safely recovered after being abducted by a houseguest, Marina Noriega.
• Rescue Operation: Thanks to an alert security guard and quick-thinking moving crew, police intercepted the suspect at a Phoenix gas station.
• Witness Quote – Kevin Place [11:13]:
  “It was surreal. You know you get the Amber Alerts a lot and you don't hardly, you know, you never see the people they're asking for. But super glad that the Amber Alert worked out this time.”
• Suspect Behavior: Noriega initially claimed to be the child’s mother. She was found with drug paraphernalia and admitted to methamphetamine use during the abduction.
• Child’s Condition: The girl was unharmed and reunited with her family. Noriega faces a custodial interference charge.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Plea [00:52–01:13]:
  “We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone. She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves. But we need to know where she is. For that reason, we are offering a family reward of up to $1 million for any information that leads us to her recovery.”

• Deputy Vincent Wynn on Corey's Demeanor [06:10]:
  “...every time I spoke to Ms. Richins just seems like her face was in her hands and I couldn't see her face.”

• Kevin Place on the Amber Alert Rescue [11:13]:
  “It was surreal. You know you get the Amber Alerts a lot and you don't hardly, you know, you never see the people they're asking for. But super glad that the Amber Alert worked out this time.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nancy Guthrie Disappearance and Reward Announcement: 00:03–02:39
• Savannah Guthrie’s Public Statement: 00:52–01:13
• Authorities Push Back on Volunteer Searches: 01:35–02:15
• Corey Richards Poisoning Trial: 05:25–06:47
• Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Murder: 06:47–10:44
• Amber Alert Rescue in Arizona: 10:44–11:52

Conclusion

This episode highlights the multifaceted nature of modern crime investigations—from the emotional appeals of families and the tenacity of law enforcement, to the challenges posed by public volunteers and the legal complexities behind high-stakes cases. With high-profile cases like the Nancy Guthrie disappearance placing national focus on missing persons, listeners are reminded of the critical role the public plays—when coordinated with authorities—in the search for justice and resolution.