Investigators Examine Septic Tank At Guthrie Home For Possible Evidence

As the search for Nancy Guthrie intensifies, investigators were seen examining a septic tank at her Tucson, Arizona, residence — a move that a former law enforcement official says could signal authorities are looking for evidence someone may have attempted to destroy.

Guthrie, 84, is the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie. She was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to Savannah Guthrie’s older sister, Annie.

On Sunday afternoon, three investigators were observed searching the septic tank in the backyard of the home as the disappearance entered its eighth day. The search comes amid a growing, multi-agency investigation involving the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

Former SWAT team captain Josh Schirard told the Daily Mail that septic systems can preserve items suspects may wrongly believe were permanently discarded.

“A lot of people forget that having a septic tank means wastewater doesn’t go into a city sewer, it goes into the tank,” Schirard said.

“So, somebody may have flushed something thinking that would get rid of it, but instead it would actually just be deposited in the septic tank,” he added.

According to Schirard, investigators could be assessing whether materials inside the tank might reveal incriminating evidence or provide insight into what happened.

The case has taken a disturbing turn in recent days, with multiple outlets reportedly receiving messages investigators believe may be connected to the disappearance. One message demanded $6 million in bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie’s safe return.

On Saturday, Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings released a second video plea directed at whoever may be responsible.

“We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she added.

“This is the only way we will have peace,” Savannah Guthrie said, adding that the family is willing to pay.

Hours before a Monday deadline to deliver the $6 million ransom expired, Savannah posted another emotional message on Instagram.

“We are at an hour of desperation,” she said in the video.

Federal authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI at 1 800 CALL FBI or submit tips through tips.fbi.gov.

Also on Saturday, law enforcement officers returned to Annie’s home. Investigators were seen leaving the property carrying a silver Cellebrite case — a device commonly used to extract and analyze digital forensic evidence from phones and electronic devices.

Authorities have not disclosed what, if anything, was recovered during the search, nor have they publicly identified suspects or persons of interest.

On Tuesday night, officials confirmed that a man detained earlier in connection with the investigation was released without charges, according to ABC15.

The man, identified only as Carlos, told the outlet he and his wife became aware police were following them before officers conducted a traffic stop.

“I told them, I work in Tucson for GLS, I might have delivered a package to her house but I never kidnapped anybody,” he said.

Carlos stated he was questioned for several hours before being released.

As of now, authorities have not provided substantial details regarding a possible abductor, and the investigation remains active.

The case underscores the growing concern many Americans feel about public safety, particularly as high-profile crimes draw national attention. Under President Donald J. Trump’s second term, federal law enforcement agencies have emphasized coordination and rapid response in cases involving potential interstate criminal activity — especially when ransom demands and digital communications are involved.

For now, a family waits in anguish, investigators continue to search for answers, and a nation watches as authorities work to determine whether the ransom messages are credible — and where Nancy Guthrie may be.