Savannah Guthrie Quintuples Reward for Information Leading to Her Mom | Crime Alert 6AM 02.25.26

Summary

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

CRIME Alert Hourly update Breaking crime news now.

[Drew Nelson]

I'm Drew Nelson. Nancy Guthrie remains missing for the 25th day as her family announces a one million dollar reward for information that leads to her recovery. The 84 year old mother of NBC TODAY co anchor Savannah Guthrie vanished from her home in the Catalina foothills outside Tucson February 1st. Investigators believe she was taken from her bed in the middle of the night. Savannah Guthrie released a video Tuesday announcing the expanded reward. The offer is in addition to a $1,000 FBI reward and a matching Tucson Crime Stoppers reward, the family is also donating half a million dollars to the national center for Missing and Exploited Children. Savannah Guthrie, speaking directly to the public, says someone knows something that can bring her home. But she says her mom might already be reunited with her daddy in heaven.

[Savannah Guthrie]

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.

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But.

[Savannah Guthrie]

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.

[Drew Nelson]

At least one ransom note demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency turned out to be fake and a California man has been charged. CNN reports a group of Mexican volunteer searchers known as Las Mandres Buscadores de Sonora. The searching mothers of Sonora have traveled to Arizon handing out flyers, while others are searching near the border town of Nogales. Mexican authorities say there is no evidence Guthrie is in Mexico. Investigators on both sides of the border have been alerted to the search as part of routine procedure. But investigators have pushed back on growing volunteer search efforts around the Catalina foothills. The Pima County Sheriff's Department asked civilians not to conduct independent searches, warning that uncoordinated activity could disturb evidence and interfere with the investigation. The sheriff denied a perm for a field search by Las Madres. Authorities also reminded the public that private property laws apply and urged anyone with information to submit tips instead of searching on their own. Meanwhile, nearly 40,000 tips have poured in. Hundreds of investigators continue to comb the desert around Tucson. For more on the case of Nancy Guthrie, join Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, 6pm Eastern on Sirius XM Triumph, channel 111 and streaming exclusively on Fox 1 for the first 24 hours. More crime and justice news after this.

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[Drew Nelson]

Corey Richards returns to court after jurors watch body camera video and hear detailed testimony about her actions in the moments after her husband was found unresponsive. Prosecutors say Corey Richards fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richards, with fentanyl in their home in Utah in March 2022, then publicly presented herself as a grieving widow. Even writing a children's book about Deputy Vincent Wynn with the Summit County Sheriff's Office, described arriving at the home and seeing Corey Richen standing near the doorway while paramedics worked on Eric Richins the video showed her crying, holding her head and repeatedly asking if he would be okay. Wynn testified that her demeanor struck him as unusual compared to other sudden death scenes he had handled.

[Deputy Vincent Wynn]

Well, I'm on scene at a death call. Normally, you know, the victim, they have tears, they look at me when I ask them a question while they respond. They're pretty direct when I ask a direct question. It just every time I spoke to Ms. Richins just seems like her face was in her hands and I couldn't see her face.

[Drew Nelson]

Prosecutors used the body cam footage to argue her responses did not match someone who had just discovered an unexpected medical emergency. Jurors also heard Richen's explanation that her husband complained of chest pain the night before and may have eaten a THC gummy. She said she slept in another bedroom and heard nothing overnight. She told deputies she discovered him cold early the next morning and immediately called for help. Medical examiner Dr. Pamela Ulmer testified the autopsy found no traumatic injuries apart from rib fractures caused by cpr. Tests ruled out infection, heart attack and natural disease, she explained lung findings were consistent with overdose and toxicology later showed roughly five times the lethal level of fentanyl in his system. Prosecutors allege Richards poisoned her husband for financial gain and to pursue a new relationship. They pointed to life insurance benefits and real estate transactions they claim followed the death. Defense attorneys countered that investigators rushed to judgment and ignored alternative explanations, arguing the overdose could have been accidental and that the home scene may have not fully been processed before conclusions were drawn. The trial unfolding in Utah is expected to continue for about a month as jurors hear additional forensic experts and witnesses who knew the couple. The stepbrother of Anna Kepner is now the main suspect. Months after the teen was found dead during a family cruise, 18 year old Anna Kepner was discovered on November 7th aboard the Carnival Horizon. A housekeeper found her under a bed in the cabin she shared with her 16 year old stepbrother, whose name has not been revealed. Investigators later determined she died from asphyxiation consistent with an arm placed across the neck. The ship returned to Miami the next day and the FBI opened a federal investigation because the death occurred in international waters. The teenager was quietly identified as a suspect early in the case, but the public has only learned of the formal charges through court filings tied to a custody dispute inside the family. Documents filed by his biological father state the boy was charged Feb. 3 by the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District of Florida. Much of the filing remains redacted and federal prosecutors have not publicly described the exact counts because juvenile cases are sealed. The filing also reveals the turmoil inside the household after the cruise. According to the document, the boy was expelled from the home immediately after the trip and family social media posts referenced wanting justice and punishment. His father is now seeking sole custody of the suspect's younger sister, arguing the situation is unsafe and emotionally damaging for the child. Family members have described describe the moments leading up to the death. Relatives say yelling was heard inside the cabin the night before Anna was found. The teen's mother later said he repeatedly claimed he could not remember what happened. Court records also reference possible alcohol consumption aboard the ship and concerns about supervision of the miners. Earlier this month, cameras captured the stepbrother entering federal court in Miami wearing a camouflage hoodie and keeping his face hidden as attorneys escorted him inside. The hearing itself was sealed and reporters were not allowed to attend. Anna, who was a high school senior and cheerleader with plans to join the Navy, had told relatives she felt unwell the night before she died and returned to the cabin. Her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The FBI has declined to discuss evidence publicly and the case remains sealed as federal investigators continue building the prosecution. A three year old Arizona girl is found safe after a statewide Amber alert leads police to a Phoenix gas station and the arrest of a house guest. Investigators say the child's parents had allowed 23 year old Marina Noriega to stay in their Avondale home because she said she needed a place to sleep. By morning both the toddler and the woman were gone, triggering an urgent search across the valley. KPHO reports a gas station security guard believed he spotted the child. Witness Kevin Place was with a moving crew, stopped at the station at the

[Kevin Place]

time, overheard the security guard that works there often talking, I'm assuming to the police about the girl and that he thinks that he just seen her in there.

[Drew Nelson]

Kevin's co worker Ralph Ballmer. They then acted to stop the suspect from leaving, thanks to the third member of their crew.

[Kevin Place]

I said that's the little girls in that truck. And then Robert came up with the idea I'm just gonna leave the truck right here then so he couldn't leave.

[Drew Nelson]

Kevin Place described the moment police arrived and the impact of the case.

[Kevin Place]

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 ambulart worked out this time.

[Drew Nelson]

Court records say the suspect initially claimed to be the child's mother and that the child was her long lost daughter before admitting she had made a mistake. Officers also reported drug paraphernalia was found as stated in court.

[Kevin Place]

Defendant admitted that a glass pipe was

[Drew Nelson]

located on her person during the search, and she admitted to using smoking methamphetamine

[Deputy Vincent Wynn]

the day before, and that was during the time she had control of the child.

[Drew Nelson]

During a virtual court appearance held over Microsoft Teams, the defendant stood alone at a podium in a quiet courtroom, resting her head on her elbow while facing a laptop as attorneys and court staff appeared in small boxes on the screen. Authorities say the child was not physically harmed and has been reunited with her family. Noriega remains jailed on a custodial interference charge. For the latest crime and justice news, follow Crime Alert's hourly update on your favorite podcast app. With this crime alert, I'm Drew Nelson Nelson.

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