Authorities continue the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who remains missing in Tucson, Arizona. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Thursday that investigators believe Nancy is “still out there” as the high-profile investigation continues without a suspect. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to her safe return or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” Sheriff Nanos said. “We want her home.”
A ransom note, considered credible by the FBI, included a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, according to Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix field office. He declined to provide details about the consequences outlined in the note.
Addressing those behind her disappearance, Janke urged them to act: “You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.” Separately, an alleged impostor who made a phony ransom demand has been arrested.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home after dining with family. Investigators believe she was taken from her residence over the weekend. Blood found outside her home was confirmed to be hers, and authorities are awaiting analysis of additional samples.
A doorbell camera at Guthrie’s home was disconnected at approximately 1:47 a.m. Sunday, and at 2:12 a.m., another camera detected what the system classified as a person, though it is unclear whether this was accurate. At 2:28 a.m., her pacemaker disconnected from a linked app.
Detectives returned to the neighborhood Wednesday for follow-up work, showing the crime scene to investigators from other agencies. Law enforcement sources said an FBI team on the ground includes evidence recovery personnel, intelligence analysts, hostage negotiators, and victim specialists. Agents are reviewing local video footage, cellphone data, and conducting interviews with neighbors and friends of the Guthrie family.
Neighborhood residents have responded by upgrading home security systems and reviewing surveillance footage. Catalina Foothills Association board member Laura Gargano described the area as quiet, home to typical desert wildlife, and noted no significant recent crime.
In an emotional video posted on social media Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie appealed directly to her mother’s abductors, highlighting her mother’s fragile health and need for medication. “We are ready to talk, however, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive,” Savannah said.
Her siblings also addressed their mother in the video. “You are a strong woman, you are God’s precious daughter, Nancy,” Savannah said. Annie Guthrie added, “Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home, we miss you,” while their brother Charles Camron Guthrie said, “We love you, Mom, stay strong, come home.”
Authorities continue to investigate, focusing on determining a motive and identifying a person of interest. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department maintain a joint investigation with a 24/7 command post at the FBI Tucson field office.
Nancy Guthrie’s need for daily medication adds urgency to the ongoing search, as law enforcement works to bring her safely home.
