Savannah Guthrie made a surprise exit from NBC’s “Today Show” during Wednesday’s live broadcast. The sudden move sparked speculation and scrutiny over reports of an increase in police presence in her community.
The longtime morning show co-host briefly disappeared during the show’s May 6 broadcast, with no immediate explanation. Guthrie’s co-host Melvin Craig assured viewers that she just “needs a minute and will be back tomorrow.”
Read more: Nancy Guthrie case: Big hint about kidnapper? DNA evidence points to involvement…
‘Today Show’ exit coincides with police presence
Three months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, and weeks after Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly stated that members of the Guthrie family were not suspects, police have increased their presence.
Police investigating the disappearance of Arizona grandmother Nancy Guthrie have stepped up patrols in recent weeks around the Tucson home of her daughter, Anne Guthrie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, according to local reports. That sparked new speculation from the public about whether detectives were eyeing a new suspect.
However, there is no indication in the news that police have identified a new suspect or person of interest.
Additionally, in early April, Sheriff Chris Nanos took action to dispel rumors that Anne, Tommaso, or other family members were under investigation. He publicly acquitted the family.
Read more: Chris Nanos denies Kash Patel’s claim that FBI was ‘cut out’ of Guthrie probe
New DNA tests are underway
In addition to increased police presence, forensic teams across the United States are currently analyzing DNA evidence and security footage from the night Nancy disappeared. The timing of her departure prompted new speculation. Investigators said hair samples from Nancy’s home are also undergoing additional testing.
News Nation’s Brian Entin shared in his CW special: “The latest real development is that we have confirmed that a rootless hair has been sent to the FBI lab in Quantico for testing, which could be significant if they can figure out if there is any DNA on the hair that can be traced back to a possible suspect.”
Extra movement of the case
Public discussion now includes the conflict between the feds and the Pima County Sheriff.
In a recent interview with Sean Hannity, FBI Director Kash Patel claimed that the agency was shut out of the investigation for the first four days. He said as with every kidnapping investigation, the first few hours were “crucial”.
However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department disputes those claims. “The FBI was immediately notified … coordination with the bureau began immediately. The laboratory used … and the FBI laboratory in Quantico worked closely together from the beginning,” he said.
