TUCSON, Ariz. — Law enforcement agencies and federal investigators have shifted their focus from a standard missing persons case to a high-stakes criminal investigation following the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. The mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing from her home in the affluent Catalina Foothills on Sunday, February 1, 2026. As of Tuesday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that evidence at the scene strongly suggests she was abducted against her will.
The Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue on the evening of Saturday, January 31. According to Sheriff Nanos, Nancy’s daughter, Annie Guthrie, was the last family member to see her during a dinner that concluded around 9:30 p.m.
The alarm was first raised approximately 14 hours later, around noon on Sunday, after a member of Nancy’s church contacted the family to report her absence from the morning service. Family members who went to check on her found her home empty but her personal belongings—including her vehicle, wallet, keys, and cell phone—untouched. This immediate discovery contradicted any theory of a voluntary departure.
Evidence of Foul Play
What began as a large-scale search involving drones, helicopters, and canine units from U.S. Customs and Border Protection quickly transitioned into a criminal inquiry. By Monday morning, Sheriff Nanos officially declared the home a crime scene, noting “concerning circumstances” that suggested a struggle or forced entry.
Unconfirmed reports from sources familiar with the investigation, as noted by the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, indicate that signs of forced entry and traces of blood were found within the residence. Investigators have also noted that Nancy has significant physical limitations; she is unable to walk 50 yards unassisted.
“We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Sheriff Nanos told reporters during a press conference. “I believe she was abducted. She didn’t go willingly.”
A Race Against Time
The urgency of the case is compounded by Nancy’s health. While described by family and authorities as “sharp as a tack” and without cognitive issues like dementia, she requires daily medication for a life-threatening condition. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that going without these medications for more than 24 to 48 hours could be fatal.
“It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn’t closed,” Nanos stated on Tuesday.
Investigation and Public Appeal
The FBI has joined local homicide detectives to analyze DNA evidence recovered from the home. Samples were sent to a forensic lab in Phoenix for rapid testing after the local system in Tucson was reported to be down. Investigators are also scouring neighborhood surveillance footage and license plate readers for any suspicious vehicles that may have been in the area on Saturday night.
Authorities are currently offering a $2,500 reward for any information, photographs, or video evidence that leads to an arrest. As of Tuesday afternoon, no suspects have been identified, and it remains unclear if Nancy was specifically targeted due to her daughter’s high-profile career or if the incident was random.
Family and Community Response
Savannah Guthrie, who was absent from her anchor desk on Monday and Tuesday, is currently in Arizona with her family. In a statement released through NBC and her social media, she thanked the public for their support.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support,” Savannah wrote. “Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom… Bring her home.”
Her colleagues on the Today show, including Al Roker and Carson Daly, have echoed her calls for prayers and urged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Sources and Links
- Associated Press: Authorities believe Savannah Guthrie’s mother was taken against her will
- The Guardian: Arizona officials say they ‘don’t know where’ Savannah Guthrie’s mother is
- FOX 10 Phoenix: Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Day 3 latest updates
- Hindustan Times: Nancy Guthrie missing update: DNA test results timeline
- WUNC News: What we know about Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother
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