Veteran legal analyst Nancy Grace dismissed claims that the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie, was politically motivated, saying the crime was likely carried out by someone local who knew the victim.
Grace made the remarks Thursday during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s Hannity, hosted by Sean Hannity. During the segment, the two discussed speculation surrounding the case and growing online theories suggesting the crime may have been connected to Savannah Guthrie’s work in journalism.
Hannity referenced a private conversation he had previously had with Grace, in which she expressed doubts about the political narrative.
“You told me something privately, and I want to bring it public,” Hannity said. “You said to me that because she was in the house alone and because of where it happened, you were convinced it had to be somebody local. Do you stand by that?”
Grace responded that she firmly stood by her assessment.
“Yes, I do,” she said. “I do not believe all these wild theories that Savannah covered some controversial case and somebody got angry, traveled across the country, found her elderly mother, and kidnapped her. That’s not what happened.”
Grace emphasized that high-profile journalists routinely cover difficult and sensitive stories, making it unlikely that a single report would trigger such an extreme response.
“She does that every day,” Grace said. “We all do. And this is not some conspiracy or political statement against Savannah.”
According to Grace, the details of the case point to a more personal connection between the suspect and the victim.
“They knew her,” she said. “They knew where she lived. They knew she lived alone. This was someone in that area.”
Grace rejected the idea that a politically motivated “vigilante” traveled long distances to target Guthrie’s mother.
“This is not someone coming from across the country to make a statement,” she said. “That’s absurd.”
She argued that crimes involving elderly victims in private residences are often committed by individuals familiar with the victim’s routines, living situation, or neighborhood.
“These cases almost always come down to proximity and opportunity,” Grace said. “Someone who knows the house, knows the schedule, and knows the vulnerabilities.”
Grace added that focusing on sensational political theories could distract from the real investigation.
“When people start spinning conspiracy stories, it takes attention away from finding the person responsible,” she said. “Law enforcement needs facts, not fantasies.”
She concluded by urging the public to allow investigators to do their work without unnecessary speculation.
“This is about justice for a victim,” Grace said. “Not about turning a tragedy into a political talking point.”
