Authorities are actively searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who was reportedly taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, against her will over the weekend. The police have emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that without her medication, her health is at serious risk.
The Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, held a news conference on Tuesday to seek public assistance and provide an update on the investigation, although he shared few new details. He confirmed that Nancy Guthrie's home had been thoroughly examined, and the property was returned to her family. Nanos refrained from commenting on whether Nancy's disappearance was a random act or a targeted kidnapping, nor did he disclose the specific evidence found at her residence.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, there were signs of forced entry at Nancy's home, suggesting a violent incident had occurred. This source reported that investigators discovered evidence indicating a nighttime kidnapping took place. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night at her home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area. Her absence was noted on Sunday when a family member was informed by someone at her church that she did not attend, prompting the family to search her home and subsequently report her missing to the authorities.
The initial search efforts involved drones, search dogs, and volunteers, including Border Patrol agents. However, the sheriff indicated that by Monday, the approach shifted from a search operation to a crime scene investigation. Personal items such as Nancy's cellphone, wallet, and car were still at the house, which raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby residences and looking into data from area license plate cameras and cellphone towers, but the motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear. It has been suggested that this incident was not related to robbery or a ransom demand.
Multiple media outlets have reported receiving potential ransom notes, which they have forwarded to law enforcement, who are taking these communications seriously, although they have not provided further details. When asked about the nature of the search for Nancy, Sheriff Nanos responded, "We hope we are [looking for her alive]."
As part of the investigation, DNA samples have been collected and submitted for analysis. While some initial results have returned, they have not yet provided any leads on potential suspects in the case.
In the wake of these troubling events, Savannah Guthrie has been in Arizona and has not appeared on the "Today" show. In a heartfelt social media message posted late Monday, she urged supporters to "raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. Bring her home."
Savannah Guthrie, the youngest of three siblings, grew up in Tucson. Her father passed away from a heart attack when she was just 16 years old. After graduating from the University of Arizona, she worked as a reporter and anchor at KVOA-TV before joining the "Today" show in 2011, ascending to co-anchor the following year.
Many viewers have come to know Nancy Guthrie through her daughter's stories on television. Savannah has often credited her mother with being the glue that held their family together following her father's untimely death. In a touching segment on "Today" in 2017, Savannah shared how the family struggled to adapt after the loss, saying, "We were just trying to figure out how to become a family of four when we’d always been a family of five."
In a recent segment focusing on her hometown, Nancy reflected on her life in Tucson, recalling, "It’s so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life. It’s laid back and gentle." This sentiment underscores the deep roots and connections the Guthrie family has with the Tucson community.
