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Arizona investigators probe abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother
Law enforcement in Pima County, Arizona, are treating the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie as a forced abduction after discovering a suspected ransom note at her Tucson-area home. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects, while her family pleads for her safe return amid concerns over her deteriorating health.
Timeline of the disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday evening when relatives dropped her off at her residence in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood, approximately six miles northeast of Tucson, around 9:30 p.m. local time. Alarm grew the following morning when church members noticed her absence and alerted her family, prompting a 911 call.
By Sunday, a multi-agency search was underway, involving local volunteers and federal Border Patrol agents. The operation extended into Monday, with homicide detectives-an unusual deployment, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos-arriving at the scene. Nanos described the conditions inside the home as deeply troubling but declined to provide specifics.
Crime scene and ransom note
On Monday, authorities designated the residence a crime scene. When pressed about whether they still believed Guthrie was alive, Nanos responded, "We hope we are." Officials confirmed they had recovered a ransom note and were collaborating with the FBI to verify its authenticity, though details about its contents remain undisclosed.
While there is no evidence suggesting Guthrie was targeted due to her daughter's high-profile status, Nanos stated, "We can't dismiss that possibility." He also declined to confirm reports of blood evidence at the scene, saying only that forensic analysis was ongoing and had not yet identified a suspect.
Family's emotional appeal
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC's Today show, and her siblings released a heartfelt video message on Tuesday, urging their mother's captors to make contact. "Everyone is looking for you, Mommy," Guthrie said. "We will not rest until we are together again."
"Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medication. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
Savannah Guthrie and siblings
Guthrie, who has taken leave from her broadcasting duties, was scheduled to co-host NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony but withdrew to focus on the search. An NBC spokesperson expressed support for the family, stating, "Our hearts are with them as the investigation continues."
Public urged to assist, avoid misinformation
President Donald Trump has directed federal law enforcement agencies to assist in the case, calling it a "very unusual situation." Meanwhile, the Pima County Sheriff's Office has appealed to the public for tips, emphasizing that all leads will be pursued. Authorities have also cautioned against spreading unverified information, warning that such actions could hinder the investigation.
Nanos confirmed that the sheriff's office is exploring all possible angles, including whether multiple individuals were involved in the abduction. However, he stressed that no definitive evidence has emerged to suggest a motive or suspect.
