Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Savannah Guthrie’s Tearful Plea to Her Mother’s Kidnappers: “It’s Never Too Late to Do the Right Thing”
Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace covers critical updates on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. Now over two weeks missing, major investigative developments emerge—including DNA and blood evidence—while Savannah Guthrie’s public, emotional plea for her mother’s return takes center stage. The episode also touches on recent crime updates, including a harrowing child abuse case and a missing person tied to a possible homicide.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nancy Guthrie Disappearance – The Investigation Deepens

• Disappearance Timeline:
  • Nancy Guthrie (84) last seen January 31, after dinner at her daughter’s home in the Catalina Foothills, Arizona.
  • Reported missing the next day after failing to attend an online church service.
• Evidence Updates:
  • [02:08] “A glove discovered Friday near Nancy Guthrie’s home in the Catalina foothills of Arizona appears to match a pair worn by a suspect captured on Guthrie’s nest doorbell camera. Investigators say the glove contains male DNA. Preliminary results are in, but the FBI says they are awaiting official confirmation...” — News Reporter
  • Blood inside the home does not match Guthrie or immediate family. Blood matching Guthrie was found outside the residence the previous week.
  • FBI Director Cash Patel released images/videos of a possible suspect, increasing public awareness.
• FBI Action:
  • Individual on video now formally a suspect.
  • Reward for information doubled to $100,000.
  • Authorities are urging the public to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or Pima County Sheriff’s Dept. with info.
  • [02:50] “Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.” — News Reporter

2. Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Plea

• Public Appeal:
  • [01:00] Savannah Guthrie issues a heartfelt plea on Instagram—audio featured:
    • “It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe. And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it's never too late and you’re not lost or alone and it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here and we believe and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being and it’s never too late.” — Savannah Guthrie
• Tone:
  • Profoundly personal, hopeful, and compassionate, pleading with any perpetrator, “It is never too late to do the right thing.”
  • Her direct appeal is a noteworthy moment, reflecting both anguish and optimism.
• Emphasis:
  • The family holds onto hope and faith in others’ goodness.
  • The message is not only to law enforcement but directly to the kidnappers or those with information.

3. Other Crime and Justice News Highlights

Child Abuse Case in Phoenix

• [04:01] Detailed reporting on Dejaja Walker’s arrest for child abuse:
  • 3-month-old son admitted to hospital with skull fracture, brain bleeds, healing rib and leg fractures.
  • [04:50] “Walker also spoke with police claiming she was unaware of how her child sustained the injuries ... she revealed that she had stopped using [cocaine] before her child was born, but had relapsed in the last few days.” — News Reporter
  • Failed polygraph tests, confessed to being sole caregiver, tested positive for cocaine use, being held on $75,000 bond.
  • Child remains in critical condition.

Missing Person – Kimberly Moore

• [06:12] Recap of Kimberly Moore’s disappearance:
  • Moved from Dallas to Louisiana with partner Vernon Parker.
  • Parker found shot dead in car on New Year's; Moore last seen at a party the night before.
  • Police believe Moore witnessed the murder and is in danger or potentially worse.
  • Ongoing call for tips (Bienville Parish Sheriff’s: 318-263-2215).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie’s heartfelt appeal
  [01:00]

  "We still have hope and we still believe. ... it's never too late and you're not lost or alone and it is never too late to do the right thing."
  — Savannah Guthrie

• News Reporter on Investigation
  [02:08]

  “A glove discovered Friday near Nancy Guthrie’s home ... appears to match a pair worn by a suspect captured on Guthrie’s nest doorbell camera. Investigators say the glove contains male DNA.”
  — News Reporter

• On Child Abuse Case
  [04:50]

  "Walker also spoke with police claiming she was unaware of how her child sustained the injuries ... she revealed that she had stopped using [cocaine] before her child was born, but had relapsed in the last few days."
  — News Reporter

• Nancy Grace’s Mission Statement
  [06:57]

  "Please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories ... where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and help solve unsolved homicides."
  — Nancy Grace

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:34] – Show begins: Breaking story on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• [01:00] – Savannah Guthrie’s emotional Instagram plea featured.
• [02:08] – FBI announces discovery of glove, DNA evidence, latest from investigation.
• [04:01] – Phoenix child abuse case: Arrest and details.
• [06:12] – Review of Kimberly Moore disappearance, links to homicide.
• [07:19+] – (Non-content: advertisements)

Conclusion

This episode offers a thorough and emotional overview of ongoing high-profile cases: Savannah Guthrie’s deeply personal plea for her mother’s safe return pairs with major investigative updates, keeping listeners on edge with each new revelation. Nancy Grace’s reporting is concise and diligent, expanding coverage to other pressing cases and underlining the urgency of public participation in solving crimes. The tone is urgent yet hopeful, especially in amplifying the voices and stories of victims and their families.