Authorities Treat Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother as Abduction in Arizona

Investigators say 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home “against her will” as evidence points to a possible crime scene. Authorities in Arizona are treating the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, as a likely abduction after signs of forced entry were found at her Tucson residence. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31, 2026, at her home in the Catalina Foothills area. When she failed to appear at church the next morning, her family contacted law enforcement. Responding officers discovered troubling evidence that prompted them to classify the case as a potential kidnapping rather than a missing-person incident. According to investigators, the home showed clear indications of forced entry. Detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to analyze DNA evidence, cellphone tower data, and footage from neighborhood surveillance and license plate cameras. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the focus of the operation has shifted from a search and rescue mission to a criminal investigation. Search teams using aircraft, drones, dogs, and heat sensors have been stood down as investigators process what they describe as a “crime scene.” Guthrie’s personal belongings — including her wallet, cellphone, and vehicle — were left behind, heightening concerns that she did not leave voluntarily. Authorities say she requires regular medication, making her disappearance particularly urgent. Detectives continue to explore several possible motives, including robbery or a kidnapping-for-ransom scenario. Sheriff Nanos has appealed to Tucson residents for assistance, urging anyone with security camera footage from the weekend of January 31 to share it with investigators. Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Tips can be reported to 520-351-4900, 520-88-CRIME, or 911. Information that leads to an arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $2,500. The Guthrie family expressed gratitude for the public’s support, saying their efforts remain focused on Nancy’s safe return. The Today show acknowledged the situation during Monday’s broadcast, noting that Savannah Guthrie has traveled to Arizona to be with her family as the investigation continues.