The search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother continues nearly five months after her disappearance – and now a retired FBI agent is weighing in on reports that the Today co-anchor has taken extraordinary steps to find answers.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of January 31. Despite an extensive investigation involving local authorities and the FBI, no suspect has been publicly identified and Nancy remains missing.
© WireImageAccording to a recent report from The U.S. Sun, Savannah has reportedly spent around $500,000 on additional investigative efforts, including hiring a private investigator to work alongside law enforcement. The report has not been officially confirmed by Savannah's family, the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Still, the possibility has prompted discussion among experts familiar with high-profile missing persons cases.
Speaking to Parade, retired FBI special agent Jason Pack said he fully understood why a family in Savannah's position might seek outside assistance. "I have nothing but respect for that decision," Pack said. "When it's your mother, you exhaust every option available to you."
© Getty ImagesJason explained that experienced private investigators can sometimes complement ongoing law enforcement efforts by pursuing leads, conducting interviews and dedicating resources to a case without interfering with official investigations.
"A well-resourced investigator can pursue leads and conduct interviews in ways that complement what law enforcement is doing without getting in the way," he added.
The former agent also rejected suggestions that hiring outside help automatically signals a lack of confidence in authorities.
© Getty Images"Overall, I think, despite the undertones and rumblings, that's not a complete lack of faith in the investigative team, per se," Jason said. "I see it more as a daughter and a family doing everything in their power. Many families do the same thing."
The case has attracted national attention in recent months, particularly after investigators released surveillance footage and still images showing a masked man outside Nancy's home around the time she disappeared.
Authorities have continued to appeal to the public for information, while Savannah has remained vocal about her determination to find her mother and bring her home safely.
© InstagramEarlier this month, the journalist shared an emotional Mother's Day message on Instagram, expressing the family's heartbreak and urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath," Savannah wrote. "We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you."
The television star also reminded followers that a $1 million reward remains available for information that could help solve the mystery.
© Getty Images"We need help," she continued. "Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available."
As the investigation enters another difficult month, Savannah's message remains unchanged: her family is committed to finding answers and leaving no stone unturned in the search for Nancy.
"Please keep praying," she wrote. "Bring her home."
