In Arizona, police are intensifying their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's Mom. The 84-year-old mother of the Today show co-anchor has been missing for 2 days. Officials claim evidence inside her home suggests a crime may have occurred.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing around noon on February 1 from her residence outside Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. Initially treated as a missing-person case, the situation took a troubling turn the following day when Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators now believe the home is a crime scene.
“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” Nanos said during a Feb. 2 briefing. “After we processed that crime scene, we believe that we do, in fact, have a crime, and we’re asking the community’s help.”
Health Concerns Heighten Urgency for Savannah Guthrie's Mom
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Guthrie has limited mobility and serious health issues requiring daily medication. According to authorities, missing that medication for more than 24 hours could be life-threatening, raising fears for her safety as time passes.
Officials also stressed that this is not a case of dementia or wandering. The family has told investigators that Nancy Guthrie is of “sound mind,” and law enforcement believes she did not leave the home voluntarily.
“We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said, declining to provide further details about what investigators found inside the house.
No other caregivers or family members are missing, and authorities say the family has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation.
Search Efforts Expand for Savannah Guthrie's Mom
On the night of Feb. 1, law enforcement launched an extensive search involving helicopters equipped with infrared cameras, drones, and assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to NBC News correspondent Tom Winter. The FBI has also been made aware of the case.
However, by Tuesday, officials announced that traditional search-and-rescue efforts had been scaled back, as the focus shifted toward forensic investigation and potential criminal activity.
“We no longer see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” Nanos said.
Savannah Guthrie Speaks Out on Investigation
Savannah Guthrie, who has been absent from recent broadcasts of NBC’s Today, released a statement through USA TODAY, thanking the public for their support.
“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.
Readers can follow ongoing updates through:
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USA TODAY’s live coverage: https://www.usatoday.com
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Pima County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.pimasheriff.org
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NBC News reporting: https://www.nbcnews.com
As the investigation continues, officials say community tips may be critical in determining what happened to Nancy Guthrie—and bringing answers to a family and public increasingly concerned for her safe return.
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