Authorities in Arizona are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of ‘Today’ show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, as a crime after officials believe she was taken from her Tucson home against her will over the weekend.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed at a Monday press conference that investigators believe Nancy was abducted, possibly while she slept. Speaking to CBS News, Nanos said:
“I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”
The grandmother of two was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson on Saturday night around 9:30 to 9:45 PM, when family members dropped her off after an outing. She was reported missing around noon on Sunday after her church called the family to say she had not shown up for service. When relatives arrived at her residence, they found her vehicle, cellphone, wallet, and other personal belongings still inside, but Nancy was nowhere to be found.
During Monday’s press conference, Sheriff Nanos revealed that the home is now being treated as a crime scene after investigators discovered concerning evidence at the residence. Homicide detectives have been assigned to the case, an unusual step for a missing person investigation. The search and rescue operation that ran through Sunday night has been called off as authorities shift focus to the criminal investigation.
Nancy has limited mobility and is without daily medication that could pose serious health risks. Sheriff Nanos stressed that she is “of sound mind” and “sharp as a tack,” dismissing any possibility that she wandered off due to cognitive issues.
Savannah, who was absent from Monday’s broadcast of ‘Today’, issued a statement through the show:
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.”
The FBI is assisting with the investigation, offering technical resources, including analysis of cell tower data near the Guthrie home. Authorities have urged neighbors to review home security footage and contact law enforcement with any information. Police do not believe there is a threat to the public at this time, and it remains unclear whether Nancy was targeted because of her daughter’s prominence.
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately.