Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Desperate Search For Nancy Guthrie Enters Week 4 | Crime Alert 6AM 02.23.26

Episode Date: February 23, 2026

The search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly four weeks, remains active, according to authorities in Arizona. A 72-year-old Navy veteran from Jacksonville, who had been missing for over a week, has tragically been found deceased in Georgia, according to local authorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime alert, hourly update. Breaking Crime News now. I'm Nicole Parton. The search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly four weeks, remains active. According to authorities in Arizona, the Pima County Sheriff's Department, along with the FBI. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, along with the FBI, continues its efforts to locate the 84-year-old woman who was last seen at her home on January 31 before being reported missing on February 1. Despite the investigation entering its fourth week without significant developments, the Sheriff's Department assured the public that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are still committed to the case. They asked me, do I have proof of life? I ask them, is there proof of death? I'm going to have that faith. And sometimes that faith, that hope is all we have.

My team, 400 people out there in the field today, woke up this morning and went out there with the hope and the belief. that they're going to find Nancy. Earlier this month, the FBI released surveillance footage featuring a mask person who appeared to tamper with the doorbell camera on the day Nancy vanished. However, this person has yet to be identified and all family members have been cleared as suspects. An increase in incentive, there's a new reward being offered for information leading to Nancy's return or information leading to charges in the case. now over $200,000 being offered for information.

As of February 1, several hundred law enforcement personnel continue to dedicate their efforts to the investigation, which will persist until we locate Nancy Guthrie, said the sheriff. Detectives were seen canvassing the Guthrie neighborhood on February 21 as part of an ongoing investigation, although further details were not disclosed. Also happening over the weekend, volunteer search, were on foot. A backpack was found, although it does not seem to match the backpack seen in that surveillance footage. The sheriff said, we are not quitting. We will find her. Authorities are still

attempting to identify the mask individual from that doorbell footage with Sheriff Nanos indicating that they are making progress in pinpointing additional clothing items worn by this person. Additionally, DNA samples collected from the Guthrie residents that do not match. Nancy or those close to her are currently being analyzed. The Sheriff's Department acknowledged on February 21 that lab experts are diligently working on this biological evidence despite potential complexities and separating DNA profiles. More crime and justice news after this. And now to Florida, a nurse working at a surgical center in Royal Palm Beach has been taken

into custody following allegations of sexual assault. on patients, with law enforcement officials suggesting there could be additional victims. Authorities from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office reported that they received separate complaints. Detectives initiated an investigation into claims of sexual battery involving two female patients at the Palm's Wellington Surgical Center. The accused is 34-year-old Joel Vega. He's a recovery nurse employed at the facility. Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives found significant evidence to warrant charges leading to Vegas arrest on Saturday for sexual battery involving those victims. Investigators have expressed concern there could be more individuals affected.

Anyone with information or suspects that they may have been a victim is encouraged to call Detective Alvarez at 561-688-147. The women say they were sexually assaulted after waking up from surgery. and this man, Mr. Vega, was their nurse. An update on a missing person's case we brought to you earlier, a 72-year-old Navy veteran from Jacksonville, who had been missing for over a week, has tragically been found dead in Georgia, according to local authorities.

The Liberty County Sheriff's Office shared an update via social media, revealing that Margaret Hanley's vehicle was located immobilized, stuck in the mud, on Old Hines Road. Authorities reported that her body was discovered next to her SUV. During the search, her son, Jomo Thompson, expressed concern when they could not get in touch with her. After reporting her missing, Thompson checked his mother's bank accounts and noted that she had made several large money transfers to an unknown person. Transaction, he described as unusual and alarming. He suspects she may have fallen a victim to a scam.

She was very friendly and intelligent, said her son. I just don't understand how someone could exploit her like this. According to her family, Hanley's 2001 Silver Toyota Ravre 4 was tracked to Gainesville and Stark before ultimately being found in Hinesville. Thompson mentioned that this kind of travel was atypical for his mother, especially given her struggles with short-term memory loss. Liberty County deputies confirmed that Hanley's vehicle has been secured. and impounded, and the investigation remains ongoing. For the latest crime and justice news, follow Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcasting app.

With this Crime Alert, I'm Nicole Parton.