Lawyer says Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance makes very ‘little sense’ as an abduction case, ‘Kidnappers usually ask for…’
A lawyer has revealed why she finds Nancy Guthrie’s case very unusual, especially considering that it is being treated as a kidnapping case.
A lawyer has revealed why she finds Nancy Guthrie’s case very unusual, especially considering that it is being treated as a kidnapping case. Arizona police revealed on February 2 that Nancy, the mother of Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie, was likely abducted from her Tucson house as she slept.
Attorney Lee, who describes herself on X as a “30-year trial attorney, YouTuber, mediator, and Harvard Law graduate,” has publicly questioned the theory that Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is the result of a kidnapping. In a post shared on social media, she stated that the case “makes very little sense” as an abduction, especially given the extraordinary level of media coverage it has received.
According to Lee, kidnappings—particularly those involving ransom—typically rely on secrecy and limited public exposure. She explained that in her decades of experience handling high-profile cases, media attention tends to complicate investigations significantly. “Kidnappers usually ask for privacy and secrecy,” she wrote, emphasizing that abducting the mother of a well-known media personality would likely bring intense national attention, which most kidnappers try to avoid. In her view, targeting the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a prominent media figure, would produce the opposite of what a kidnapper seeking ransom would want: widespread publicity, political involvement, and federal law enforcement engagement.
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has indeed attracted massive media coverage, largely due to Savannah Guthrie’s high public profile. The case has escalated beyond local authorities and drawn national attention, including from President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he had spoken directly with Savannah and assured her that federal law enforcement agencies were being directed to assist local authorities immediately.
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote. “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
As the search continues, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has announced that it will maintain a visible presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security purposes. This decision followed reports that law enforcement officers were seen searching a septic tank behind her home on Sunday, February 8. Drone footage showed investigators opening a manhole cover in the backyard and inserting a long pole into the tank. Authorities have not disclosed what they were specifically searching for, nor have they provided details about the findings from that search.
Journalist Brian Entin confirmed these developments in posts on X, adding that investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to the disappearance. The lack of publicly named suspects has further fueled speculation and concern surrounding the case.
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie released a new video statement alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie. In the video, the family expressed their willingness to pay a ransom in exchange for Nancy’s safe return, signaling that they are prepared to cooperate fully with anyone who may have information or involvement. The emotional appeal has intensified public attention and added urgency to the ongoing investigation.
Despite extensive law enforcement efforts and nationwide media focus, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities continue to investigate all possibilities while maintaining security at the residence and urging anyone with information to come forward.
