Authorities in Arizona are intensifying their search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since Feb. 1. A person of interest detained Tuesday during a traffic stop south of Tucson has since been released, but the investigation remains active as law enforcement works to locate Guthrie.
Local and federal officials conducted a court-authorized search of a residence in Rio Rico, Arizona, roughly 12 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Sources said the search followed the detention of a person of interest in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance. While the individual has been released, authorities have not confirmed whether he is the same person seen in FBI surveillance footage released earlier in the week.
The FBI previously released images and video showing a masked individual at Guthrie’s home on the night she went missing. In the footage, the person wore gloves, carried a backpack, and may have had a holstered firearm. Investigators said the video was obtained from home security cameras and residual backend data, with assistance from Google.
The man who identified himself as Carlos spoke to reporters outside his Rio Rico home, denying any involvement. “I didn’t do anything. I’m innocent,” he said, expressing shock at being detained. Authorities have not confirmed his identity as the person of interest.
Family members have issued multiple public appeals for help. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released several videos urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement. They have emphasized the urgency, noting that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication that she has not been able to take since her disappearance.
Neighbors and family at the Rio Rico residence said investigators were allowed to search the home but found no evidence related to the case. Josefina Maddox, whose son-in-law was reportedly detained, said authorities informed her that a tip suggested Guthrie might be at the property. “We have nothing to hide,” she told reporters. “There’s nobody here, and he had nothing to do with this.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Nancy Guthrie remains missing. Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS Tucson affiliate KOLD-TV that investigators have not yet located any signs of her, but search efforts continue. The FBI continues to assist, and search and rescue teams have been canvassing neighborhoods connected to the investigation.
The case has attracted national attention. A senior White House official confirmed that the administration is closely monitoring developments in Tucson, with President Trump reportedly expressing concern and frustration over the situation.
