Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Arizona Authorities Now Investigating as Possible Criminal Abduction
The case of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a serious turn with Arizona authorities now treating her disappearance as a possible criminal abduction. Guthrie has been missing since the night of January 31, and investigators have discovered troubling evidence at her home that suggests foul play.
Update 1: From Missing Person to Possible Abduction Investigation
Law enforcement officials announced on February 2 that what began as a missing person investigation is now being treated as a possible abduction after evidence of criminal activity was discovered at Guthrie's residence in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson. The Pima County Sheriff's Department stated in an official release, "She was taken possibly in the middle of the night and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction."
Sheriff Chris Nanos provided additional context to NBC News, explaining, "I think she was abducted. When you're taken from your bed and you don't want to go somewhere, that's an abduction." The department later clarified that Nanos was speaking figuratively and did not mean Guthrie was literally taken from her bed. Nanos further revealed that investigators believe Guthrie sustained injuries during the incident, stating, "We know she was harmed at the home, but we don't know to what extent."
Update 2: Last Known Sighting and Family Account
Savannah Guthrie's sister, Annie Guthrie, is believed to be the last person to see their mother before she vanished. According to reports from US Weekly, Annie informed Arizona police that she shared dinner with Nancy on January 31 and observed no concerning behavior or warning signs. She reportedly told investigators she did not notice "any red flags" before Nancy returned to her residence later that evening.
Family members confirmed they last saw Nancy Guthrie at her home between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday night, January 31, just hours before her disappearance was reported.
Update 3: Disturbing Evidence Discovered at Residence
Law enforcement sources revealed to The Los Angeles Times that blood was found inside Guthrie's home along with signs of forced entry. Authorities now believe Guthrie was taken against her will from inside the residence. Sheriff Nanos confirmed the home is being treated as an active crime scene, stating, "We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us," while declining to provide specific details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Update 4: Critical Evidence Left Behind and DNA Recovery
Investigators confirmed that Guthrie's cell phone, car, and wallet were all discovered at the house, strongly suggesting she did not leave voluntarily. According to reports from KPNX, DNA evidence was also recovered from the scene and has been sent to a forensic laboratory in Phoenix for detailed analysis.
Ongoing Search Efforts and Family Appeal
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing around noon on February 1 after she failed to attend her regular church service. A comprehensive search effort was immediately launched involving multiple law enforcement agencies, drones, aircraft, search-and-rescue teams, volunteers, and specially trained dogs from US Customs and Border Protection.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication, with missing doses potentially having serious consequences. He clarified that she does not suffer from dementia, describing her as "of sound mind" and "sharp as a tack."
In a public statement, Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the support and prayers while urging anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department. "Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom," she stated. In a subsequent social media post, Guthrie made a heartfelt appeal for continued prayers, writing simply, "Bring her home."
The investigation continues as Nancy Guthrie has now been missing for nearly 48 hours, with authorities pursuing all leads in what has become a complex and concerning criminal investigation.
