TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues with authorities stating there are currently no suspects or persons of interest, four days after her disappearance. The situation escalated following indications of forced entry at her home in southern Arizona, raising concerns about her safety.
According to investigators, it is believed that Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will over the weekend. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos indicated there is no credible information suggesting that her disappearance was targeted. Furthermore, due to her limited mobility, officials do not think she left her home voluntarily. Despite her situation, Nanos assured that she is of sound mind.
The sheriff's department has been actively communicating with individuals who may have had contact with Nancy Guthrie. They are also closely collaborating with the Guthrie family in the ongoing investigation. Multiple media organizations reported receiving alleged ransom notes on Tuesday, which they have handed over to investigators. The sheriff's department acknowledged the seriousness of these notes and other tips but has withheld further comments.
During a news conference on Tuesday, both the Pima County sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief urged the public to offer any helpful tips regarding the case. Sheriff Nanos expressed urgency, stating that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication and could face severe consequences without it. When asked about the possibility of finding her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at her home in the Tucson area, where she lived alone. She was reported missing shortly after midday on Sunday when a member of her church informed a family member that she was unaccounted for. This prompted family members to search her home before calling 911.
As part of the investigation, DNA samples have been collected and analyzed. Sheriff Nanos noted that some results have returned, but so far, there have been no indicators pointing toward any suspects. Evidence of forced entry into Nancy’s home substantiates the theory of a nighttime kidnapping, leaving behind personal belongings, including her cellphone, wallet, and car, according to an unnamed source familiar with the investigation.
Detectives are also actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby residences and are examining data from local cellphone towers in their search efforts. For the third consecutive day, “Today” opened with coverage of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, while Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the anchor's desk. NBC Sports announced that she will not be covering the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as she focuses on supporting her family during this trying period.
Savannah Guthrie has strong ties to Tucson, having grown up there and graduated from the University of Arizona. She previously worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson television station KVOA. Her parents had settled in Tucson in the 1970s when she was a child. Savannah, the youngest of three siblings, has highlighted her mother’s role in keeping the family united following the death of her father from a heart attack at the age of 49, when Savannah was just 16 years old.
