At 1:47 a.m. on February 1, 2026, Nancy Guthrie’s doorbell camera in Catalina Foothills went dark. Inside, the 84-year-old retired teacher slept. Outside, a masked individual approached wearing dark clothes, gloves, a backpack, and a firearm in a holster. Twenty-five minutes later, motion was detected, but no footage was saved. At 2:28 a.m., Nancy’s pacemaker lost connection with her phone, indicating she was likely moved from the home.
By late morning, concern grew when Nancy missed her church livestream. Her daughter Annie found the back door open and the house empty, with blood on the porch and smashed cameras. Nancy’s phone and medication remained behind. Known for her routine, faith, and community involvement, Nancy’s disappearance shocked her family and neighbors. Recovered footage later showed the masked individual covering the camera, using potted plants to block its view, and holding a small flashlight in their mouth.
Analysts noted the suspect’s methodical but imperfect execution, with an awkward holster placement suggesting inexperience. Investigators have focused on the seventeen-minute window between the camera blackout and pacemaker disconnection as the critical timeframe. Ransom emails demanding $6 million in Bitcoin appeared February 3, though authenticity remains unconfirmed and the wallet stayed empty. Federal agents, local deputies, drones, and search dogs have combed neighborhoods and surrounding desert terrain.
