Authorities Provide New Details in Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

Arizona law enforcement officials are providing limited new information as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson home over the weekend under what investigators believe are criminal circumstances.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Nancy Guthrie was last seen at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday evening at her residence. Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters earlier in the week, “we do, in fact, have a crime,” though he declined to provide additional details regarding the nature of the incident.

By Tuesday, authorities acknowledged that the investigation was progressing slowly. NBC’s “Today” show reported Wednesday that investigators had not identified any solid leads or suspects. During press briefings, Nanos emphasized the painstaking nature of the search effort.

“We don’t know where she is,” Nanos said, explaining that investigators are starting from the point where Nancy Guthrie was last seen and expanding outward in hopes of uncovering clues.

According to the sheriff, evidence suggests Guthrie did not leave her home voluntarily. Officials noted that she had limited mobility and a medical condition that could become life-threatening without medication within 24 hours.

Media reports have raised additional concerns. The Los Angeles Times indicated that blood was discovered inside the home, while a law enforcement source told Fox News that there were “blood drops” leading from the front door toward the driveway. When pressed about these reports, Nanos remained cautious, stating that forensic testing on evidence is ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached.

“I’m not saying there’s blood inside that house or outside that house,” Nanos said, declining to elaborate further on specific evidence collected during the investigation. Authorities did confirm there were signs of a break-in at the residence.

The lack of publicly released information has drawn criticism from some experts who argue that transparency can help generate tips from the public. Callahan Walsh, co-host of “America’s Most Wanted,” expressed frustration with the limited updates during an interview with Fox News.

“It’s really unfortunate that very little has been provided to the public. I was hoping at this press conference that something would be released – a break in the investigation, a direction that they’re headed, some hope for the family or actionable information for the public to assist. There just wasn’t any of that. It was mostly questions that were being asked by the media, and pretty vague or no answers provided,” Walsh said.

Investigators have also been asked whether Nancy Guthrie may have been targeted because of her daughter’s high-profile media career. Nanos declined to draw conclusions.

“We’re looking at all the leads, and we don’t know,” Nanos said. “We’re going to assume both sides of that.”

Walsh noted that the possibility could not be ruled out entirely.

“It’s very possible that she was targeted because of who her daughter is,” Walsh said. “Her daughter’s a high-profile television personality on the ‘Today’ show, somebody that people see in their homes and on their television screens regularly. There absolutely could be somebody out there that has a grudge against Savannah and has taken it out on her mother, and let’s hope that’s not the case.”

During an appearance on MS NOW, Nanos revealed that Nancy Guthrie was “physically removed from that home against her will,” though he declined to confirm whether she had been harmed. Officials also stated they do not know whether the suspected abductor is known to Guthrie or a stranger.

Investigators discovered Guthrie’s personal belongings — including her cell phone, Apple Watch, wallet, and car keys — still inside the home, deepening concerns that she may have been taken suddenly.

Authorities acknowledged reports circulating about a possible ransom note after TMZ reported that a letter demanded a “substantial amount” of money for her safe return. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is reviewing the information.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” officials wrote in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI,” officials wrote.

As the search continues, many observers are urging greater public engagement and vigilance, emphasizing that community awareness can often prove critical in resolving missing-person cases and restoring safety to neighborhoods.