PHOENIX — The federal hunt for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie reached a fever pitch on Friday, February 13, 2026, as the FBI announced a massive reward of $100,000 for information regarding her location or the capture of her abductors. Along with the bounty, the FBI’s Operational Technology Division released specific “identifying details” that have set social media ablaze with speculation.
According to the FBI, the suspect is a male of average build, standing approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall. Footage also reveals him carrying a distinctive black 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack. These measurements have immediately drawn the public’s eye toward Tommaso Cioni, Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law and the last person known to have seen her.
1. The Height Controversy: Does Cioni Fit the Profile?
While the FBI has not officially labeled Tommaso Cioni a suspect, the new height range has become a focal point for amateur detectives trying to determine if he matches the man in the video.
- The Savannah Guthrie Comparison: Online users have dug up family photos featuring Cioni alongside his sister-in-law, TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie. Since Savannah is famously 5’10”, and Cioni appears to be of a similar height in these images, many believe he fits the FBI’s 5’9”–5’10” description perfectly.
- The Counter-Argument: Some independent reporters and observers claim Cioni is actually closer to 6’0”, arguing that he is “much taller” than the profile provided by the feds.
- Build Analysis: Social media users on X have gone as far as analyzing his weight distribution, claiming the suspect’s “average build” and specific torso-heavy frame match Cioni’s physique.
2. Why the Spotlight is on Cioni
The suspicion surrounding Cioni isn’t just about height; it’s about his proximity to the disappearance on February 1.
| Timeline Event | Detail |
| Last Contact | Cioni reportedly dropped Nancy off at her home after a dinner with his wife, Annie. |
| The Disappearance | The 84-year-old was reported missing shortly after that drop-off. |
| Search Warrant | A search warrant was recently executed at the home of Annie Guthrie (Nancy’s daughter), raising further questions. |
| Official Stance | Authorities previously quashed rumors naming Cioni as a suspect, but public scrutiny remains intense. |
3. Identifying the Masked Subject
The FBI’s Phoenix field office is banking on the $100,000 reward to break the silence. The details they’ve released are intended to help the public identify the man in the doorbell footage, who remains obscured by a mask.
“New identifying details… have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall, with an average build.” — FBI Phoenix Official Statement