Nancy Guthrie case: Is the masked 'Porch Guy' a woman? Chilling new theories emerge

In the perplexing disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, online sleuths have sparked a new debate. While authorities hunt for the so-called ‘Porch Guy’, a growing number of observers believe the suspect captured on camera might not be a man at all.

More than one hundred days have passed since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home on January 31, 2026. While the investigation hinges on critical DNA evidence, a bizarre new theory about the suspect's identity is gaining traction online. 

The conversation started after an X user highlighted comments made by retired FBI agent Maureen O’Connell, who said on a podcast that her own sister believes the culprit could be a woman.

This speculation has ignited a firestorm of discussion. The user noted that many agree with the theory, adding, “Some say the suspect has feminine features or may even be wearing makeup. Others theorise the perp is wearing a second mask beneath the stocking cap.” This has led to intense scrutiny of the grainy surveillance footage that captured a masked individual at Guthrie's front door.

A second mask and 'painted on' eyebrows

The idea of a disguise is central to this theory. The same X user explored the possibility, writing, “So I went looking-realistic feminine masks like this are easily purchased online and could potentially fit beneath a stocking cap. You could cut the lips out, paint on a moustache or even glue on prosthetic makeup. I don’t know that I’m convinced.”

In online forums, many seem intrigued by the idea. “I have always been on the side of a female mask under the mask,” one person wrote. Another user speculated that a female suspect could explain details of the crime scene, which reportedly showed evidence of a struggle and blood on the front porch.

The suspect’s eyes, visible through holes in the mask, have become a focal point. “The eyebrows do look partially ‘painted’ on,” observed one commenter. Another added, “Also take a closer look at the lashes, they seem to be clumped up on his right eye.” This observation was echoed by another user who said, “There's something with the eyebrows, they looked trimmed to me, unless the mask is just covering them... If not a woman, it could be a man that likes wearing makeup.”

Not everyone is convinced

Despite the buzz, some are dismissing the theory entirely, pointing to the suspect's physical movements. The individual, seen wearing gloves, khakis, and a backpack, is shown walking with their head down. “I don’t think it’s a woman, the build & gait are all wrong,” one user wrote. Another stated simply, “Perp moves like a man.”

While various theories surfacing about the Nancy Guthrie case continue to swirl, authorities have not named any official suspects. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are working together, sifting through what Sheriff Chris Nanos called "thousands of hours of video footage".

The investigation's most promising lead is reportedly a hair sample found inside Nancy's home. The sample, considered "potentially critical" DNA evidence, has been sent to the FBI's advanced laboratory in Quantico for analysis, a process which experts say could take time. A reward of over £800,000 is being offered for information leading to Nancy's safe return or the arrest of the person responsible.

The case has been marked by cruel hoaxes, including ransom notes that led to at least one arrest. On Mother's Day, a heartbroken Savannah Guthrie made a public plea for her mother's return, saying, "We will never stop looking for you." For now, a family waits in agony as the search for answers continues.