Police Intensify Search for Missing Mother of Today Show Host
In a significant development in the high-profile disappearance case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, police investigators conducted a thorough search of a septic tank located behind her Tucson residence on Sunday. The investigation has intensified dramatically as authorities pursue multiple forensic leads.
Septic Tank Examination Reveals No Immediate Findings
Drone footage captured three detectives carefully lifting a manhole cover in the backyard and lowering an extended pole into the septic system for examination. An official police vehicle remained stationed outside the Catalina Foothills home around 11 am local time during the operation. Law enforcement officials have declined to specify what evidence prompted this particular search or whether the septic tank had been previously inspected. The investigative team concluded their examination without announcing any recovery of evidence or remains.
Series of Forensic Actions Precede Latest Search
This septic tank search follows a sequence of forensic activities at the property that began on Friday evening, February 6, 2026. Authorities removed Nancy Guthrie's blue SUV from her garage, with video footage from NBC News showing the vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck and transported away. Investigators also collected surveillance equipment, including a solar-powered camera from the roof and a white video camera from a nearby casita. That same evening, forensic vehicles briefly visited the residence of Nancy's daughter, Annie Guthrie, as part of the expanding investigation.
Officials have consistently stated that no suspects or persons of interest have been identified at this stage of the investigation. The case has gained additional complexity with the circulation of alleged ransom notes among media outlets demanding $6 million in bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie's safe return. One reported deadline was set for Monday evening, though investigators have not confirmed the authenticity of these messages.
Family Issues Emotional Response to Developments
Savannah Guthrie, who has been in Arizona with her family throughout the investigation, released a video statement alongside her siblings over the weekend. "We received your message, and we understand," she stated emotionally, adding that their mother's safe return "is very valuable to us, and we will pay." The statement came as the family continues to grapple with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Nancy's disappearance.
DNA Evidence Confirms Blood Match
Authorities have confirmed that blood discovered on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie's residence matched her DNA through forensic analysis. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, is treating the case as a criminal investigation. Investigators continue to pursue multiple leads while meticulously analyzing evidence collected during various searches of the property and surrounding areas.
Community Mobilizes in Search Efforts
As the search stretches into its second week, community volunteers have joined awareness efforts by distributing flyers and sharing updates through online platforms. The collective effort reflects growing concern for the elderly woman's welfare and the determination to locate her safely.
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after she failed to attend church services in Tucson on Sunday morning. She was last seen late Saturday night following an evening spent with her daughter Annie Guthrie, who informed investigators they had dinner together on January 31 and that nothing appeared unusual during their time together.
When family members could not reach Nancy the following morning, they conducted an initial search of the home before contacting authorities around noon. The residence has since been processed as a potential crime scene, with officials suggesting she may have been abducted while asleep.
Impact on Savannah Guthrie's Professional Commitments
Savannah Guthrie was preparing for international travel related to NBC's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics when she received news of her mother's disappearance. NBC subsequently confirmed that she would step down from hosting duties for the opening ceremony in Italy as she remains with her family during the ongoing investigation.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately as efforts persist to locate the missing woman safely.
