US5 min(s) read
Published 12:07 29 Jun 2026 GMT
It was first reported 31 years ago that KIMT morning news anchor Jodi Huisentruit went missing while on her way to work in Mason City, Iowa.
The US reporter vanished in June 1995, with her personal belongings found near her vehicle and across the parking lot, with police believing she was abducted.
But to this day, nobody is sure about what really happened to the reporter.
Authorities were given tips over the years, investigating persons of interest, but a suspect was never named in the case, and Huisentruit was never found.
Six years on from her disappearance, in 2001, she was declared legally dead at 32, but the case remains active.
Jeff Brinkley, police chief of Mason City, admitted to NewsNation in a June 2025 interview that "the case is absolutely solvable."
On June 27, 1995, Huisentruit appeared to be late for work, as news producers at KIMT recalled calling her at around 4AM, as she hadn't shown up on time.
She picked up the phone, saying that she had overslept and would be there soon.
The reporter lived alone in an apartment in Mason City, around a mile away from her job, according to CNN, but her colleagues were worried when she still hadn't shown up by 6AM.
A producer had to fill in for her on the day's morning show, with KIMT staff soon notifying police of the situation.
When police arrived at her apartment complex, they found evidence that there was an altercation when the reporter was trying to get into her car.
Huisentruit's car keys were bent and on the floor near her vehicle, while personal items such as earrings, high heels, a blow dryer, and hair spray were spread across the parking lot.
There was also an unidentified partial palm print found on her car.
Foul play wasn't suspected at first, but this evidence suggested otherwise.
A Mason City Police Department officer explained in a Hulu trailer for docuseries Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit: “Things went from we're just looking for somebody missing to we're looking for somebody that was abducted.”
But apart from these items, authorities didn't find other substantial clues at the scene of her disappearance - it was reported that her building had no security cameras.
Earlier this month, a private investigator named Steve Ridge claimed that he found a potential suspect after an unidentified woman came forward with new information about a former boyfriend.
Speaking to KTTC, he said: “Essentially, it's a woman, who I surfaced, who had a relationship with a suspect in the case almost immediately after Jodi went missing,” adding that she had evidence to support the claim.
“In a moment of exasperation or anger, he was slamming the steering wheel and saying, ‘I didn't do it. I didn't do it,' but he finally said, ‘I did it,'” the P.I claimed.
Ridge then passed his findings to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and pledged a $100,000 reward for information leading to the reporter's remains.
The news reporter had indicated that she was concerned for her well-being in the months leading up to her disappearance.
She had filed a police report detailing that a “suspicious subject” was “following her, driving a small white newer pickup” in October 1994.
ABC News also reported that she started taking self-defense classes, and the day before she vanished, Huisentruit played in a charity golf tournament at the Mason City Country Club.
Two of her team members said she wanted to change phone numbers after receiving harassing calls.
John Vansice, a friend of Huisentruit's whom she saw the night before her disappearance, was the most predominant lead in the case.
He told police that Huisentruit had visited his house the night before she disappeared to watch videos from a birthday party he helped organize for her.
CBS News reported that a judge unsealed a portion of a 2017 search warrant into Vansice's vehicle movements in April 2025.
They also monitored other vehicles owned by Vansice, with police publicly admitting that no useful information came from the search.
Tragically, the news reporter has never been found, nor has her abductor or killer been identified.
In the years since her disappearance, journalists and former police officers have formed an organization named FindJodi.com, hoping that they can keep attention on her case, searching for new information on her disappearance.
The group said in a statement via CBS News on the 30th anniversary of Huisentruit's disappearance in June 2025: “Don't make Jodi Huisentruit's family and friends wait another year for you to come forward,” telling the abductor that "they need answers and justice."
The Mason City police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continue to look into Huisentruit's disappearance.
3 min(s) read
3 min(s) read
us3 min(s) read
Published 11:28 06 Feb 2026 GMT
A quiet Arizona neighborhood is now the focus of a troubling mystery after the sudden disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Days before Nancy went missing, neighbors say a suspicious white van had been parked nearby - with no explanation.
Brett McIntire, who lives just across the street from Nancy, told The New York Post he noticed something off in the days leading up to her disappearance. A white, full-sized van with no markings caught his eye.
“It was somewhere on that street. It was a white van, full-sized, with no printing on the sides. It was parked on the street,” said McIntire.
The 72-year-old noted that the lack of any signage on the vehicle immediately raised red flags.
“Normally people that are coming to work on your home will have a company vehicle or if they’re independent something written on it.”
Following the incident, McIntire says he’s become more vigilant in his everyday life.
“From now on when I’m going out and about I’ll have a paper and pen and record anything unusual.”
His wife, Lisa McIntire, echoed the unease. Despite their belief that their home is well-protected, the incident has them reevaluating their security setup.
“Brett and I were talking. And we thought well, we should probably get one," she said.
She was referring to installing a security camera system - something they hadn't considered before.
“We’ve have a pretty secure residence. Metal doors. I’m kind of a deep sleeper, so it’s unlikely someone could get past one of the metal doors. But we’re a little concerned.”
Though the couple couldn’t pinpoint the exact date they spotted the van, Brett confirmed he reported it to local authorities.
Nancy Guthrie was officially reported missing on Sunday. Just one day later, the case was escalated to a criminal investigation. At a press conference Thursday, Pima County Sheriff’s officials told reporters they remained hopeful.
They said they believe Nancy is “still out there” and emphasized their commitment to bringing her home.
In a disturbing twist, a ransom note was reportedly sent to both local and national media outlets. However, law enforcement noted that the letter lacked any proof of life or a channel for communication with the suspect—frustrating their efforts to follow up.
On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued an emotional video message, appealing directly to whoever may have taken their mother.
“We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive, and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,” Savannah said in the statement.
us3 min(s) read
Published 15:19 28 Feb 2023 GMT
A popular and longtime radio host from the Bay area has gone missing without a trace after sharing a chilling Instagram post.
As reported by The New York Post, 54-year-old Jeffrey 'JV' Vandergrift - host of The JV Show on radio station WiLD 94.9 - was last seen around 10:00 PM on February 23 at his home in San Francisco.
A post on the DJ's Instagram page from August 20 was edited recently to change the captions to past tense. He thanked his listeners and wrote that he's had a good life.
"Thank you for a wonderful life-filed w joy, laughs, pain & struggle. It’s been a great journey. Your support & prayers meant the world (sic)," the caption reads.
Read the post below:He posted the same photo of himself in a red WiLD 94.9 shirt to Twitter on August 20 with the original caption: "It’s #NationalRadioDay. I know, who gives a fart!!? Been at 94 since 94. Wow, that’s a long time‼️ Super grateful for each of you who have been on this journey w me.”
Vandergrift's friends and family are now asking the public to help find him and bring him home. In its first statement shared over the weekend, the radio station wrote that they are "deeply concerned".
"We're working closely with them and his wife, Natasha, who is also a dear friend and member of the WiLD 94.9 family. We are sending love, thoughts, and prayers to JV and will share more information as we receive it," they added.
In another statement shared yesterday, WiLD 94.9 disclosed that authorities have not been able to track any activity on Vandergrift's cell phone and revealed that he has not used any credit cards or banking cards since disappearing.
"These updates are obviously incredibly worrisome, though we continue to hope and pray for better news," they continued. "We are continuing to work closely with JV's wife Natasha as well as the police department."
"JV is loved by everyone here at Wild 94-9 and iHeartMedia, and we know he is equally beloved by his Bay Area listening family. We are asking for your continued prayers for both JV, his wife Natasha, and his entire family. We will continue to share more information as we receive it," the radio statement concluded.
The police have stated that the DJ is a 6-foot-tall, bald white man who weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and several tattoos on his arms and one above his right ear, per The New York Post.
According to ABC7, his fellow 94.9 personalities spoke about his disappearance on the air, with Graham saying: "So incredibly difficult, it's difficult for all of us obviously."
Co-host Selena also added: "Same thing with credit cards, banking statements, there's been nothing there. No activity and it's really scary."
The Daily Mail has reported that fans gathered outside of the iHeart Radio San Francisco station over the weekend to leave flowers and messages to Vandergrift and his coworkers. NBC producer Alyssa Goard shared pictures of the touching moment on her Twitter page.
The police have asked anyone that sees Vandergrift to contact 911 and report his location and description. If you have information about his whereabouts, call the SFPD tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.
us4 min(s) read
Published 10:28 06 Feb 2026 GMT
Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, have unveiled the most detailed timeline yet of her suspected abduction.
The timeline, presented by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos at a press conference Thursday (February 5), centers around a mysterious moment of activity logged at 2:12AM on Sunday (February 1), hours after the 84-year-old was last seen.
According to The Sun, Nancy had dinner with family on Saturday (January 31) evening and was dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona, home around 9:48PM, with her garage door closing just minutes later. It’s believed she went to bed soon afterward.
Then, at 1:47AM, her doorbell camera disconnected. Roughly 25 minutes later, at 2:12AM, movement was detected by camera software.
Although no video was saved, cops believe this moment may be key to understanding what happened to the beloved grandmother.
By 2:28AM, Nancy’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone app, another haunting sign that something was very wrong. “We believe Nancy is still out there,” Nanos said during the Thursday briefing.
Investigators discovered a small trail of blood leading from Nancy’s driveway to her doorstep.
Sheriff Nanos confirmed the blood was hers, and disclosed that there were signs of forced entry despite earlier uncertainty. A front-facing security camera was also reported missing.
Still, there are no confirmed suspects or persons of interest. “We’re just not there yet,” said Nanos.
In the wake of the disappearance, law enforcement received multiple ransom demands - including one sent to TMZ demanding millions in Bitcoin, and another to CBS affiliate KOLD containing details “only Guthrie’s abductor would know,” anchor Mary Coleman said.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke confirmed they are “taking [the notes] seriously,” citing references to an Apple Watch and a floodlight, information not publicly known.
He added that at least one of the notes contained two deadlines, one of which had already passed.
However, Janke also warned of hoaxes as one person has already been arrested for sending a fake ransom demand.
“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate, and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he stated, per NPR.
Savannah, joined by her siblings Annie and Camron, released a heart-wrenching video on Wednesday night.
“We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen,” she said. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
She stressed her mother’s health is in jeopardy. “She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
Nancy’s son Camron reiterated the family’s message on Thursday: “We need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”
President Donald Trump weighed in on the heartbreaking situation, saying he had spoken with the news anchor and directed federal law enforcement to assist “IMMEDIATELY." Adding: “The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family."
Meanwhile, neighbors and local community members gathered for a prayer vigil at Saint Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church. Candles were lit at the altar in a hopeful gesture for Nancy’s return.
Savannah Guthrie has withdrawn from covering the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony to be with her family.
Federal agents, including K9 units, have returned to the Guthrie residence to comb through areas previously searched, following new leads.
As the investigation continues, police are reviewing neighborhood security footage and analyzing fingerprints, DNA, and other digital evidence.
us3 min(s) read
Published 11:02 07 Feb 2026 GMT
The nationwide search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, took a dramatic turn this week as law enforcement activity intensified around her Tucson, Arizona home.
The mystery surrounding her disappearance — which investigators believe is an abduction — continues to fuel concern, speculation, and a flurry of updates from authorities and family alike.
Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence on January 31, and despite days of searching by the FBI, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and other agencies, no suspects have yet been publicly identified.
Investigators have said that clues at the scene suggest she did not leave voluntarily.
Rumors, unverified leads, and new 'messages' allegedly connected to her disappearance have kept the public’s attention squarely on the case.
Messages claimed to be from her captors have been forwarded to authorities, and detectives are now working to determine their authenticity.
In a significant development, footage emerged showing a blue SUV being towed away from Nancy’s property, sparking questions about what investigators might have uncovered.
Video shared by local media shows the vehicle — believed to be one that had been parked in her garage — loaded onto a flatbed truck and removed by police.
Additionally, law enforcement was captured on camera removing what appears to be a roof-mounted device or camera from Guthrie’s home during the operation — a discovery that had not been mentioned in earlier public updates.
Officials are not commenting publicly on why the vehicle was taken or whether it holds evidence connected to her disappearance.
However, analysts say towing the SUV may allow forensic teams to comb it for DNA, fibers, GPS data, or other crucial clues that could help unravel what happened the night Nancy vanished.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information about Nancy’s disappearance to come forward, especially as the investigation enters its second week without a confirmed sighting or contact from potential abductors.
Here’s the timeline and key facts compiled from official statements and investigations:
Family members, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, have publicly pleaded for anyone holding Nancy to make contact and provide proof of life.
Social media remains filled with theories, support messages, and heartbreak from those following the case closely.
As this story develops, more details are expected to emerge.
For now, authorities maintain that every lead is being actively pursued in hopes of bringing Nancy home safely.
us3 min(s) read
Published 08:48 09 Jun 2026 GMT
A potential suspect has been named in the chilling Nancy Guthrie disappearance case.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TV news host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing ever since she was seen on the night of January 31 at her home in Tucson, Arizona, by her daughter Annie and son-in-law.
That was the night that investigators believe the suspected kidnapping took place, as surveillance footage unveiled that a masked person arrived at the property in the early hours of the morning.
Now, Nancy remains missing despite the infamy of the case, as daughter Savannah had been forced to step back from her post on NBC for months to support her family as authorities further investigated her mother's disappearance.
While many have had theories about her whereabouts, investigators have now revealed the identity of another kidnapping suspect, just miles from Nancy's home.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department put out a notice against Coral Michelle Smith, 40, a career criminal who is wanted in a kidnapping case around seven miles from the home in question.
The kidnapping suspect has a long criminal history, having previously been involved in a kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon case, which took place on May 29 in Tucson, at the intersection of River Road and La Cholla.
Officials have asked residents to “be on the lookout” for the woman, though no additional details about the incident were released.
There currently aren't any connections between Smith and the mother of TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie's mother.
The ex-convict has been accused of assault, kidnapping, robbery, and disorderly conduct in her life, serving four different prison sentences during her time in Pima County, say court records as per the New York Post.
Having first been found guilty of robbery in 2011, she was later caught attempting vehicle theft in 2014, before being found guilty of robbery again in 2019, and then guilty of criminal trespass in 2021.
Smith was also found guilty of attempted vehicle theft in 2022 and guilty of aggravated assault with physical injury in 2023.
Court records detailed that in the 2019 case, the victim was listed as under 15 years old, though these charges were eventually dismissed.
Local outlet 13 News reported that the suspect has used other names in the past, such as Corral Albright, Coral Albright-Smith, and Under The Sea Smith.
According to police, she is 5'6", 136 pounds, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.
She also has several tattoos, including a smiley face and heart on her right ankle, a rose with flames on her right foot, and "love, life, family" inscribed on her left leg.
Speaking to KOLD on Monday (June 1), Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was asked if he believes the case is cold, to which he said: “No, absolutely not.
“There’s way too much work that is ongoing with some of the physical evidence we have, and we’re not going to give up on it just because it’s been 100 days,
“We continue to work with our labs – whether it’s on the digital end or the biological end, DNA – and we continue to do that.
“We continue to work with the FBI... and several labs across the country to get some resolution on this case.”
He stated that they are "committed" to resolving the mystery and to finding Nancy.
.webp_QQJmGo?tr=cr-345.0.1535.1190,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
.webp_QQJmGo?tr=cr-345.0.1535.1190,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
