Tucson, Arizona – The mysterious disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a dramatic turn that could rewrite the entire case. Newly analyzed or surfaced footage from the night of the abduction appears to show the masked individual who tampered with her Google Nest doorbell camera and allegedly took her from her home may actually be a woman – directly contradicting the FBI’s official profile of a male suspect.

Originally released by the FBI, the chilling 44-second clips captured in the early hours show a figure in a ski mask, dark gloves, long pants, jacket, and a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack approaching the front door. Authorities described the person as male, about 5’9″ to 5’10” tall with an average build, possibly armed with a holster visible on the belt. The backpack, sold exclusively at Walmart, and similar clothing items have been key focuses, with investigators reviewing purchase records to trace the buyer.

A black glove discovered in a nearby field matched those in the video and yielded DNA evidence initially pointing to a male profile, heightening hopes for a breakthrough. Yet, as the search enters its third week, fresh scrutiny of the footage – including enhanced stills and frame-by-frame breakdowns circulating widely – has sparked intense debate. Observers point to subtle features: unusually long eyelashes, softer facial contours around the eyes and mouth, and certain body movements that some argue align more with female characteristics than the FBI’s initial assessment.

This potential gender reversal has electrified online discussions and armchair investigators, who suggest the suspect may have disguised themselves to mislead early analysis or that gait and build were misinterpreted under baggy clothing and low-light conditions. If confirmed, it would force authorities to reassess leads, including any Walmart surveillance or witness accounts that assumed a male perpetrator.

Savannah Guthrie, visibly emotional, recently shared a new video plea urging the abductor(s) to “do the right thing,” emphasizing it’s “never too late” for Nancy’s safe return. The family continues to grapple with uncertainty, as Nancy requires daily medications and time is critical. Ransom demands, including cryptocurrency requests sent to media outlets, have surfaced but yielded no verified proof of life.

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Office have not yet commented on the emerging female-suspect theories, maintaining focus on DNA results, retail tracing, and neighborhood tips. A $100,000 reward remains active for information leading to an arrest or Nancy’s location.

As speculation mounts, this twist underscores how quickly public perception can shift in high-profile cases. What was once a hunt for a masked man may now pivot toward an entirely different profile – leaving investigators racing against the clock to bring Nancy home.