Police in Arizona say they believe the elderly mother of Savannah Guthrie was forcibly taken from her home overnight, as investigators escalate what they now describe as a suspected kidnapping.
The Today anchor confirmed Monday that her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson-area residence over the weekend. Authorities in Pima County later said evidence collected at the home indicates she did not leave voluntarily and that a crime likely occurred.
Investigators say signs point to abduction
According to statements from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, detectives believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from inside her home against her will, possibly during the night. A police spokesperson told The U.S. Sun that investigators consider the case an abduction or kidnapping and confirmed that the scene remains under active investigation as tips continue to be reviewed.
Sheriff Chris Nanos said officers observed “concerning” evidence while processing the property, leading them to formally classify it as a crime scene. He told multiple outlets, including NBC and the Daily Mail, that investigators do not believe the 84-year-old “walked away” and stressed she was forced to leave the home.
The Los Angeles Times reported that blood was discovered inside the residence, and law enforcement sources said blood drops were found leading from the entryway toward the driveway. Investigators also noted signs of forced entry and confirmed that a doorbell camera owned by Guthrie was missing when deputies arrived. DNA evidence has been collected, though officials said results may take several days.
Nancy Guthrie’s wallet, cellphone, and car were found at the home, authorities said. She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. Saturday night and was reported missing Sunday morning after she failed to attend church.
Search intensifies as family appeals for prayers
Sheriff Nanos has repeatedly emphasized that Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp but physically limited, telling reporters she cannot walk long distances and requires daily medication to survive. He warned that being deprived of that medication could be fatal.
During an interview with AZFamily, Nanos appeared visibly emotional when asked whether he believes Nancy is still alive, saying investigators are “not going to give up hope.” He also issued a direct appeal to a potential abductor while speaking with NBC, urging them to contact authorities and release her without fear of consequences.
The sheriff said investigators do not believe Nancy was targeted because of her daughter’s public profile, though that possibility has not been ruled out. Guthrie is reportedly traveling with a security team as the search continues.
Savannah Guthrie traveled to Arizona after learning of her mother’s disappearance, which CNN described as “the worst phone call of her life.” She has stepped away from her on-air duties, including withdrawing from coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics, and is expected to remain off air indefinitely.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. The search effort includes ground volunteers, drones, K9 units, and a helicopter, with officials stressing the operation remains focused on locating Nancy Guthrie safely.
In a message shared with viewers and later on social media, Guthrie thanked the public for their support and asked for continued prayers, writing that her family’s focus remains on her mother’s safe return.
