The tight-knit community of Tucson, Arizona, is on edge following the alarming disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Authorities are now investigating the case as a suspected abduction, a dramatic shift from an initial missing person search. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated a strong belief that Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, citing concerning evidence found at the scene. This developing story has prompted a widespread criminal investigation, with both law enforcement and the Guthrie family urging public assistance to ensure her safe return.
A Puzzling Disappearance: The Initial Hours
The mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts began late on Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, around 9:30 p.m. Her disappearance came to light the following morning, Sunday, February 1, when she failed to appear for church services. Concerned family members, upon checking her home and finding her absent, promptly contacted 911 around noon.
The initial response was robust, launching a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation. Crews worked tirelessly through the night, deploying ground teams, specialized dog units, advanced drones, and even aircraft equipped with heat sensors. However, as investigators processed the scene, the focus of the operation quickly changed, signaling a more serious turn in events.
From Missing Person to Crime Scene Investigation
By Monday, February 2, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos held a press conference confirming a critical update: Nancy Guthrie’s home was officially declared a “crime scene.” This declaration marked a pivotal shift, moving the investigation from a search for a missing person to a full-fledged criminal inquiry. Sheriff Nanos minced no words, stating unequivocally, “I believe she was abducted, yes.” He further emphasized that Nancy Guthrie “didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly,” and stressed, “We know she didn’t just walk out of there.”
The decision to treat the disappearance as a crime stems from “concerning” evidence discovered at the residence. While specific details remain undisclosed to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, authorities have found “things at the home that were concerning to us,” leading them to confirm the presence of a crime scene and a suspected crime. The gravity of the situation is further underscored by the unusual involvement of homicide detectives in the case, a measure rarely seen in typical missing person investigations.
The Urgency of Nancy Guthrie’s Health
A critical factor reinforcing the abduction theory is Nancy Guthrie’s physical condition. At 84 years old, she has “very limited mobility” and “could not walk 50 yards by herself,” according to Sheriff Nanos. This physical limitation makes it highly improbable that she left her home voluntarily or wandered off on her own.
Compounding the urgency, Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication for physical ailments. Authorities have expressed grave concern, highlighting that missing this essential medication for more than 24 hours could have fatal consequences. “The clock is literally ticking,” Sheriff Nanos stressed. Despite her physical challenges, it’s crucial to note that Nancy Guthrie is described as being of “great sound mind” and “as sharp as a tack,” with no cognitive issues or dementia. This detail helps to dispel any notion that she simply became disoriented or wandered away due to memory impairment.
Intense Investigative Efforts Underway
With the case now classified as a criminal investigation, multiple law enforcement agencies are pooling resources to uncover what happened to Nancy Guthrie. The FBI is actively assisting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, bringing additional expertise and resources to the complex inquiry.
Investigators are meticulously poring over various forms of evidence. This includes reviewing security camera footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home, which Sheriff Nanos hopes will “break this case open.” Her cellphone is also in the possession of authorities and is being examined for potential clues. Beyond the residence, police are leveraging technology such as license-plate readers and other surveillance cameras in the area to track any suspicious activity or vehicles that might provide leads. Additionally, DNA testing is being conducted in Phoenix, with results anticipated in several days.
While a motive remains unclear, Sheriff Nanos noted there’s no initial indication that Nancy Guthrie was specifically targeted due to her daughter’s public profile. However, he emphasized that this possibility is not being dismissed, stating, “We can’t dismiss that. We will certainly look at that and we’ll see, was she being stalked?” Interviews have also been conducted with staff who provide home and yard care for Nancy Guthrie, as she lives alone. Despite the serious nature of the suspected abduction, Sheriff Nanos assured the public he does not believe there is an active threat posing a broader danger to the community.
Community’s Crucial Role: Call for Assistance
In this challenging investigation, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department is making a direct appeal to the community for assistance. Neighbors in the Catalina Foothills area and beyond are urged to review their home security camera footage, regardless of whether their cameras face Nancy Guthrie’s home directly. Investigators are particularly interested in any footage captured between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026. “Maybe it’s just a pair of headlights,” Sheriff Nanos suggested, asking residents to report anything that “doesn’t seem right.”
The public can submit tips and potentially helpful photos or videos through a dedicated online portal (https://pimasheriff.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/nancy-guthrie) or by utilizing the Tip Line QR code issued by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department directly at 520-351-4900. To incentivize assistance, a reward of $2,500 is being offered through 88-Crime for tips that lead to an arrest in the case. Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.
Savannah Guthrie’s Heartfelt Plea and Family Unity
Amidst the unfolding crisis, Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, has issued heartfelt statements on behalf of her family. She has expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support, thoughts, and prayers from the public, emphasizing that the family’s “focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.” On Instagram, she posted, “thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
Savannah Guthrie has also publicly thanked law enforcement for their diligent work and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The family is fully cooperating with the investigation. Savannah has often spoken about her close relationship with her mother, who raised Savannah and her sister as a single parent after their father passed away when Savannah was just sixteen years old, highlighting her mother’s strength and selfless nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance?
Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her Catalina Foothills home in Tucson, Arizona, last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Her family reported her missing on Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend church. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has declared her home a crime scene and believes she was abducted, due to concerning evidence found at the scene and her limited mobility. She requires daily medication.
2. How can the public contribute to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s suspected abduction?
The public can assist by reviewing any home security camera footage from the weekend, especially between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. Any unusual sightings, even minor ones like headlights, should be reported. Tips can be submitted via the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s online portal (https://pimasheriff.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/nancy-guthrie), their Tip Line QR code, or by calling 520-351-4900. A $2,500 reward is offered through 88-Crime for information leading to an arrest.
3. Why have authorities concluded Nancy Guthrie did not leave her home voluntarily?
Authorities suspect abduction primarily due to Nancy Guthrie’s significantly limited mobility; she “could not walk 50 yards by herself.” This physical challenge makes it impossible for her to have left the home on her own. Additionally, investigators discovered “concerning” evidence at her residence that led them to declare it a crime scene and conclude that she did not depart willingly. Despite her physical state, Nancy Guthrie is described as “sharp as a tack” with no cognitive issues, ruling out the possibility of her wandering off due to disorientation.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has ignited an urgent and complex criminal investigation in Arizona. With authorities strongly suspecting abduction and the family’s heartfelt pleas for her safe return, the coming days are critical. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with FBI assistance, is meticulously pursuing all leads, relying heavily on forensic evidence and public cooperation. As the community rallies around the Guthrie family, the hope remains that Nancy will be found and brought home safely, bringing resolution to this deeply concerning case.
