Online Sleuths Float a New Theory About the Masked Figure in Nancy Guthrie Footage — Here’s What Officials Say

A few newly released frames have turned Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance into a fresh wave of questions — and a new theory spreading fast online. After the FBI shared porch-camera images and a short clip from the morning she vanished, viewers began zooming in on a single detail they believe could change how people interpret the suspect: the eyes. Within hours, social feeds were packed with side-by-side screenshots, slow-motion replays, and one repeated question: Is the person under the mask who everyone assumes they are?

The footage, shared publicly on February 10, 2026, shows a masked figure at Guthrie’s front door appearing to tamper with the camera. Officials said the images and video were recovered after technical work to retrieve data that had been lost, corrupted, or otherwise inaccessible. The individual appears dressed in dark clothing with gloves and a face covering, and the clip does not clearly reveal facial features — which is exactly why the internet has latched onto the small visible area around the eyes.

As the screenshots circulated, many commenters argued the eyebrows and lashes looked “too shaped” or “too distinct” to be male, fueling speculation that the person could be a woman. Others pushed back, pointing out that masks and lighting can distort appearances, and that grooming habits don’t reliably indicate gender. Meanwhile, authorities have cautioned against jumping to conclusions from limited video and have continued urging the public to focus on reportable details — such as clothing, gear, and movement — rather than assumptions.

Investigators have also shared their own working description of the person seen in the footage, and it does not match the viral theory. Officials have described the suspect as a man of average build and have highlighted a specific backpack model that may help trigger recognition. Nancy’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, has echoed the call for tips, urging anyone who recognizes the person or items in the footage to contact the FBI or local authorities, as the search continues and investigators pursue multiple leads.