HORRIFYING DISCOVERY CLAIMS IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE: Viral Posts Allege Chained Freezer Raid at Son-in-Law’s Old House, But Authorities Offer No Confirmation
Tucson, AZ – February 16, 2026 – Explosive social media claims continue to swirl around the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, with viral posts alleging a dramatic police raid on an “old house” belonging to her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. According to these unverified narratives, officers discovered a “strangely chained freezer,” forced it open, and uncovered a shocking truth that left everyone stunned—implying grim evidence related to the abduction.
people.com
cbc.ca
Nancy Guthrie vanished after dinner on January 31, 2026, at the Tucson home of her daughter Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni. She was dropped off at her own residence around 9:45 p.m., with garage surveillance showing the door closing shortly after. In the early hours of February 1, her Google Nest doorbell camera captured a masked, armed figure—described by the FBI as approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” tall, average build, wearing a ski mask, gloves, dark clothing, and carrying a black backpack—approaching the home. The intruder appeared to tamper with the camera, placing plants to obscure the view.
cbc.ca
wral.com
The case was quickly classified as an abduction, with forensic evidence including a black glove found nearby containing DNA under testing (not matching Guthrie or close contacts). Authorities executed multiple searches: at Guthrie’s home, family-linked properties, neighborhoods in Tucson, and a Rio Rico residence (about 60 miles south) where a man was briefly detained and released without charges. His mother-in-law publicly affirmed his innocence and cooperation. No arrests have been made, and the FBI increased the reward to $100,000 for information leading to her location or convictions.
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people.com
Savannah Guthrie and family members, including Annie, have made emotional public pleas, urging whoever is responsible to “do the right thing” and bring Nancy home. In videos, Savannah appeared tearful, emphasizing it’s “never too late” for the abductor to act humanely.
skynews.com.au
13newsnow.com
Despite intense scrutiny—including speculation about family involvement, such as the son-in-law—Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated investigators are “actively looking at everyone” but emphasized no suspects have been publicly named. Hoax ransom demands (including Bitcoin requests) surfaced but were debunked as unrelated.
The “chained freezer” story appears exclusively in viral Facebook posts and clickbait-style content, with no corroboration from mainstream outlets (CNN, NBC, CBS, Fox News, local Arizona media) or official statements from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office or FBI. Searches of related properties yielded no such discovery, and fact-checks have dismissed similar dramatic claims (e.g., home blockades) as misinformation.
people.com
nbcnews.com
While unrelated crime scenes involving chained or locked freezers have occurred elsewhere (e.g., bodies found in appliances in other states), nothing links them to this case. The investigation remains active, focusing on verifiable leads like the masked suspect footage, DNA, and tips.
Nancy Guthrie’s family continues to hold out hope amid growing anguish, with the nation watching closely. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the FBI or Pima County tip lines anonymously.
