The FBI has reportedly returned to search the area surrounding the Tucson home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, according to a neighbor who spoke to Fox News Digital. The neighbor stated that agents were seen searching the brush behind Guthrie's Catalina Foothills residence just days before the six-month mark of her unsolved disappearance.
Pima County Sheriff's Department officials told Fox News Digital that no task force investigators had recently returned to the area. However, the neighbor identified the individuals as resembling those involved in earlier law enforcement activity connected to the case. The FBI has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Authorities believe Guthrie, 84, was taken by force from her home on February 1. A former Sheriff's Department lieutenant, Bob Krygier, suggested that investigators might return to a search area for several reasons. These could include new leads, the possibility that evidence was shifted by recent weather, or simply to re-examine the scene with fresh eyes.
Krygier noted that the recent monsoon season in Tucson, with its heavy rainfall, could have altered the landscape. "About a month ago, monsoon season started here in Tucson and a lot of water has come down — a lot of water at once, and it pushes things," he told Fox News Digital. "So it’s moved the environment. Rocks have been pushed away."
He explained that flash floods can carry significant debris, including vehicles, trees, rocks, and potentially people. "All that water, it’s rushing fast, and it’s taken not only the people, but it’s taken cars, it’s taken trees, branches, rocks, all of this stuff, and basically turned into a big blender," Krygier said.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated last week that investigators are actively pursuing leads and reviewing a vast amount of video footage, emphasizing that the case is not considered cold. The Sheriff's office also released purported ransom notes, seeking public assistance in identifying the sender's "unique linguistic style."
Rewards totaling over $1.2 million have been offered in the case and remain unclaimed. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or Pima County Crime Stoppers at 520-88-CRIME.