Where is Nancy Guthrie’s other daughter Annie and why are she and her husband staying silent?

A retired FBI agent suggested legal action could explain the couple’s disappearance from public life recently

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has taken another dramatic turn after a retired FBI agent suggested the missing woman’s daughter Annie Guthrie and son in law Tommaso Cioni may be “laying low” because they are considering potential defamation lawsuits.

Nancy, the 84 year old mother of Today presenter Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1 after investigators believe she was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. More than 100 days into the investigation, no arrests have been made and police have yet to publicly identify a suspect.

Despite law enforcement repeatedly clearing the Guthrie family of any involvement, online speculation surrounding Annie and Cioni has continued to intensify. The couple were the last known relatives to see Nancy before her disappearance after dining with her on January 31.

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer addressed the situation in a lengthy post shared on X on May 14. Coffindaffer questioned why Annie and Cioni had seemingly vanished from public view in recent weeks before offering her own theory about the silence.

“Why are they laying low?” Coffindaffer wrote. “Obvious concern over ridicule I believe, but also perhaps this: Defamation suits.”

According to Coffindaffer, the couple may have grounds for legal action because of the severe accusations and harassment they have faced online since Nancy disappeared earlier this year. She argued that internet conspiracy theories accusing Annie and Cioni of involvement in the case may have damaged their reputations, work opportunities and family life.

The speculation surrounding the couple escalated early in the investigation after authorities temporarily took their vehicle as evidence. Although investigators later confirmed the move was routine, online rumours quickly spiralled across social media platforms.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly shut down theories involving the family during a February press conference.

“The Guthrie family, to include all siblings and spouses, has been cleared as possible suspects,” Nanos said at the time. “The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.”

Even after those statements, online accusations continued. Coffindaffer noted that the scrutiny could have especially affected the couple’s young son Pietro and Cioni’s career as a sixth grade biology teacher. She pointed out that Cioni is no longer listed on the current school year staff roster, though no official reason has been given publicly.

“Perhaps he has taken leave or perhaps the school is concerned about listing his name,” Coffindaffer wrote, adding that the ongoing public suspicion could become evidence of reputational damage if legal proceedings move forward.

Savannah Guthrie has continued standing firmly beside her sister and brother in law throughout the investigation. The television presenter has repeatedly shared family photos and messages supporting Annie as the search for their mother continues.

Meanwhile, investigators are still pursuing leads connected to Nancy’s disappearance. Authorities previously released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual near Nancy’s property around the time she vanished. However, officials have remained tight lipped about further developments.

As public interest in the case grows, the absence of Annie and Cioni from social media and public appearances has only fuelled further speculation online. Coffindaffer believes their silence may ultimately signal preparation for legal action rather than guilt.

For now, the search for Nancy Guthrie continues while her family faces mounting public scrutiny during an already devastating ordeal.