Crime Stories with Nancy Grace — SEARCH MOVES INTERNATIONAL FOR NANCY GUTHRIE

Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace (iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, focusing on recent developments: the expansion of the search into Mexico, receiving another more threatening ransom note, and the analysis of evidence, especially concerning DNA and a key suspect. Nancy Grace brings together an expert panel—including former FBI agents, prosecutors, forensic specialists, and investigative reporters—to break down the facts, challenge conspiracy theories, and update listeners on the rapidly evolving situation.

Key Discussion Points

1. Expansion of the Search into Mexico

• New Developments: Despite prior statements from law enforcement, the FBI confirms the search has now extended into Mexico after receiving new actionable leads.
• Ransom Note Escalation: A new, more menacing ransom note is received, featuring a different cryptocurrency address and more graphic threats.

"We are learning the search has extended into Mexico. This as another ransom note has been received...It is also much, much more menacing."
— Nancy Grace, (02:05)

Expert Input:

• Andrew Black (Former FBI, Tucson): The shift to Mexico likely follows serious new leads, including possibly credible components in the ransom communications. He also warns how fake leads and ransom notes drain law enforcement resources.

  "These things take time to run down and it takes energy and resources from the task force trying to locate Nancy Guthrie." (03:28)

2. Dismissing the "Botched Robbery" Theory

• Targeted Abduction: The panel unanimously rejects the theory that this was a random robbery gone wrong, citing the suspect’s preparedness (gear, disguised identity) and the pattern of behavior.

  "You take things out [in a robbery], you don't carry them in."
  — Nancy Grace (05:55)

• Expert Analysis:

  • Josh Colesrud (Defense Attorney, former prosecutor) & Scott Eichert (FBI CAST Team):
    • Burglars avoid confrontation and rarely take victims; a kidnapping doesn’t fit known patterns.
    • Arizona statistics confirm such a scenario—elderly kidnapping in the course of a burglary—is virtually unheard of.

      "There has never been a recorded case where there's been a burglary gone wrong where the burglary suspects end up kidnapping an elderly woman and keeping her alive."
      — Josh Colesrud (07:15)

3. DNA Evidence: Status and Limitations

• No CODIS Hits: DNA from a glove found near the scene, as well as DNA from inside the house, has not matched any entries in the national CODIS database.

  "The DNA on the random glove...did not get a CODIS hit."
  — Nancy Grace (10:42)

• Partial DNA Profiles: Some in-home DNA is only a partial profile—not enough for a national database search yet.

• Forensic DNA Process Explained:

  • Susanna Ryan (Forensic DNA Analyst):

    • Explains the stringent criteria for entering DNA into the national database vs. the Arizona state database.
    • Arizona allows for "familial searching" and includes arrestees for certain violent felonies.
    • Internationally, Interpol’s DNA database (over 280,000 profiles, including Mexico) can be utilized, but Mexico’s database is less robust for criminal investigations.

    "Arizona is one of only 12 or 13 states that allow for...searching the database for a near match...maybe a brother or a father."
    — Susanna Ryan (18:35)

  • Obtaining DNA at Scenes:

    • UV light can help find fluids (saliva, etc.), but "touch DNA" (skin cells) does not fluoresce, so swabs are focused on probable contact points.

    "Even though he's wearing gloves, that does not mean he's not transferring his DNA into that house."
    — Susanna Ryan (21:50)

4. Suspect Details and the Gun

• Distinctive Evidence:

  • A zoomed-in surveillance photo might show the suspect wearing a pinky ring—a rare detail that could help ID.

  • The suspect carries a semi-automatic handgun oddly holstered in a revolver’s holster, which is "unprofessional and awkward."

    "Placing a semiautomatic weapon...in a revolver holster is unprofessional, to say the least, and awkward."
    — Andrew Black (25:14)

  • The make/model of the gun is uncertain but believed by some to be a Walther, famously used in James Bond movies.

• Investigative Leads:

  • Panelists suggest that experts may use these details (gun, holster, ring) to track suspect purchases at local gun stores.

5. The New Ransom Note and Cryptocurrency

• Content and Credibility:

  • The newest note sent to TMZ requests payment in a cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin (possibly Ethereum or other altcoins) but is still for $6 million.

  • The note is distinctly more graphic, with threats if the ransom is not paid.

  • Panelists are skeptical of its legitimacy, viewing these as likely opportunistic scams unless the note reveals undisclosed, verifiable information.

    "I think I don't give a lot of credibility to these ransom demands...it's another opportunist."
    — Andrew Black (34:01)

• Impact on Investigation:

  • The flood of fake ransom notes is a major drain on resources. The U.S. Attorney’s office is prosecuting those who file false notes, with offenders facing up to 20 years in prison.

    "They needed to set an example because these types of things can really derail an investigation."
    — Josh Colesrud (35:18)

  • New ransom notes are only actionable if they contain details not publicized, indicating access to the victim or scene.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rejecting the Random Robbery Theory:

  "There has never been a recorded case...where the burglary suspects end up kidnapping an elderly woman and keeping her alive. It just...doesn't happen."
  — Josh Colesrud (07:15)

• On Fake Ransom Notes and Resource Drain:

  "The FBI also put out a stern warning against people fabricating kidnap...notes. These things take time to run down and it takes energy and resources from the task force trying to locate Nancy Guthrie."
  — Andrew Black (03:28)

• Juxtaposing Expertise:

  "There are people that can look at a gun and do pretty much the same as car experts—just by sight. That's what you can prove from this one page of a police report."
  — Nancy Grace (29:13)

• On Familial DNA Searching:

  "Arizona is one of only 12 or 13 states that allow for that sort of searching...hopefully they will have that conducted because that opens up the database for a whole new category of individuals."
  — Susanna Ryan (18:35)

• On the Peculiar Holster:

  "It's...an awkward way to carry a weapon."
  — Andrew Black (25:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:05]: Breaking news—search expanded to Mexico, new ransom note
• [03:28]: FBI’s warning about fake ransom notes, resource drain
• [05:03]: Rejection of robbery/burglary theory
• [10:36]: Discussion on DNA evidence, CODIS hits
• [14:17]: Explaining national vs. Arizona DNA databases, familial searching
• [21:21]: How DNA is detected and swabbed at the scene
• [23:54]: Zooming in on suspect's distinctive pinky ring, gun analysis
• [31:10]: Details of the new, graphic ransom note
• [33:21]: Bitcoin alternatives in ransom note demands
• [34:43]: Federal prosecution of fake ransom note submitters

Conclusion & Call to Action

The investigative team remains focused on the targeted nature of Nancy Guthrie’s abduction, rejecting random-theft theories and highlighting how false leads muddy the waters. The discussion underscores high-tech aspects—DNA, digital forensics, even cryptocurrency tracing—while urging the public to submit credible tips.

"If you know or think you know anything about the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please dial toll free 800-225-5324... There is a $200,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie."
— Nancy Grace (36:45)

Tone and Style: The conversation is urgent, meticulous, and sometimes skeptical—marked by Nancy Grace’s signature no-nonsense approach and reinforced by expert testimony. Listeners are encouraged to differentiate credible information from noise, and to act on authentic leads only.

Summary prepared for those needing a comprehensive, structured understanding of this episode’s content and investigative direction.