Federal authorities have joined a desperate search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today Show” host Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Catalina Foothills home in Tucson, Arizona, with investigators now treating the case as an abduction after discovering signs of forced entry and blood at the scene.
Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue by her son-in-law around 9:30 p.m. The alarm was raised when she failed to attend church the following day.
Evidence Points to Foul Play
What began as a missing person case quickly evolved into something more sinister. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has indicated that investigators believe Guthrie was abducted in her sleep early Sunday, with evidence suggesting she was taken against her will. The investigation has since been upgraded to a criminal case, with local, state, and federal resources deployed, including K-9 units, drones, and Border Patrol assistance.
Adding to the family’s distress is the fact that Guthrie requires daily medication. Authorities have confirmed that missing even 24 hours of this medication could be fatal, heightening the urgency of the search.
Ransom Demands Surface
The case took another dark turn when ransom notes were reportedly sent to multiple media outlets, including TMZ and KOLD 13 News. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, now working alongside the FBI, is investigating these communications, which apparently demanded money and included a deadline.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) related to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. All tips and leads are being taken seriously and are forwarded directly to our detectives, who are coordinating with the FBI. We encourage anyone with information or tips to submit them,” the Sheriff’s Department stated in a release.
Despite these developments, no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified as the investigation enters its fifth day.
Presidential Intervention
The high-profile nature of the case has drawn attention from the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump has directed all federal law enforcement agencies to assist in the search following a conversation with Savannah Guthrie.
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote. “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The missing woman is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. While she has physical ailments and limited mobility, family members emphasize she has no cognitive issues.
Community Rallies
Has the Tucson community given up hope? Not even close. A prayer vigil was held at Guthrie’s local church, where community members gathered to support the family.
“Nancy and Savannah have both contributed so much to the Tucson community,” said one attendee named Shamrell. “They’re just positive contributors and very faithful women. What’s going on is absolutely heart-wrenching.”
In an emotional video plea that has since gone viral, Savannah Guthrie spoke directly to her missing mother: “Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
As the search continues into its fifth day, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward immediately, with time becoming an increasingly critical factor in the elderly woman’s safe return.
