Federal Investigators Deploy Rare Signal Tracking Device Over Tucson Arizona as Search Intensifies for Missing Nancy Guthrie

Two weeks have passed since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home — and investigators are still searching for answers.

What began as a local missing persons case has quickly escalated into a national story, fueled by unsettling surveillance footage, ransom demands, and the involvement of federal authorities.

Nancy disappeared from her $1 million residence in a quiet Tucson neighborhood on February 1. Since then, law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level have been working around the clock to piece together what happened in the early morning hours of that day.

Despite extensive searches and mounting public attention, there has been no confirmed sighting of her.

A Sudden Silence in the Middle of the Night

One of the most puzzling details centers around Nancy’s pacemaker — a life-sustaining device she relied on to regulate her heart rhythm.

The pacemaker had been synced to her iPhone and Apple Watch, a feature that allowed real-time monitoring of her heart activity.

Around 2:30 a.m. on February 1, the device abruptly stopped communicating with her personal electronics. That moment has become a critical timestamp for investigators.

Medical experts note that pacemakers can sometimes lose connection due to signal issues or battery limitations, but the timing has raised serious concerns, especially given that Nancy reportedly requires medication for a significant heart condition.

The sudden digital silence has only deepened fears about her well-being.

A Rare ‘Signal Sniffer’ Takes to the Sky

In an unusual move, federal officials deployed what’s known as a “signal sniffer” on Saturday evening. The compact tracking device was mounted to the skids of a Pima County Sheriff’s Department helicopter as it flew across the Tucson area.

The technology is designed to detect faint electronic signals — including those emitted by certain implanted medical devices.

While authorities have not confirmed whether the device picked up any viable leads, experts say such tools are rarely used in missing person investigations, underscoring how serious the case has become.

Masked Man Caught on Camera

Days into the search, investigators released a chilling piece of surveillance footage.

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The video shows a masked individual wearing black nitrile gloves and a dark backpack attempting to obscure Nancy’s front doorbell camera.

At one point, the man appears to pull shrubbery from the yard to block the lens. A handgun can be seen tucked into the front of his pants.

Authorities have not publicly identified the man, but the footage strongly suggests premeditation. Law enforcement sources say multiple individuals have been questioned and released as the investigation continues.

Ransom Demands Surface

The case took another dramatic turn when media outlets — including TMZ — received ransom notes demanding at least $6 million in Bitcoin from the Guthrie family.

Investigators are analyzing the notes for forensic evidence, including digital fingerprints and linguistic patterns that may help narrow down suspects. Cybercrime specialists have also been consulted, as cryptocurrency demands are often linked to attempts at anonymity.

At this stage, officials have not confirmed whether they believe the ransom demands are credible or opportunistic.

Savannah Guthrie’s Private Ordeal

Nancy is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, one of the most recognizable faces in American morning television. Savannah has co-anchored NBC’s Today show since 2012 and first joined the network in 2007.

Sources close to the family told NewsNation that the emotional toll of the investigation has deeply affected Savannah. According to reporting by Paula Froelich, she is allegedly reconsidering her long-term role on the Today show as she grapples with the trauma of her mother’s disappearance.

Friends say she has been spending as much time as possible in Arizona, balancing public obligations with private anguish.

A Community on Edge

Tucson residents have expressed shock that such a brazen act could occur in what many describe as a peaceful area. Neighbors have reportedly reviewed their own security footage and increased home surveillance measures.

Law enforcement has urged the public to remain vigilant but avoid speculation, noting that misinformation can hinder investigations.

What’s Next?

Investigators are expected to:

• Continue aerial and ground searches across Tucson and surrounding desert areas

• Analyze electronic data tied to Nancy’s devices

• Examine financial records connected to the ransom demands

• Re-interview persons of interest as new information surfaces

Federal agencies remain involved, and authorities have not ruled out kidnapping, targeted crime, or other possibilities.

Search teams are also reportedly expanding their radius as the case enters its third week — a critical period in missing person investigations.

Summary

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has evolved into a high-profile, multi-agency investigation marked by suspicious surveillance footage, ransom demands, and the unusual deployment of advanced tracking technology.

Two weeks in, there is still no confirmed trace of the 84-year-old.

While her family — including daughter Savannah Guthrie — navigates an unimaginable ordeal, investigators continue pursuing every available lead in hopes of bringing Nancy home safely.