The search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie — the mother of NBC Today show co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie — remains active and urgent as investigators push deeper into what authorities now describe as a suspected abduction from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, and the case has drawn national attention as law enforcement and family members appeal for help and information.
The case has also prompted widespread public curiosity and online speculation. In response, investigators have taken steps to clarify facts, address rumors, and keep the focus on locating Nancy safely.
Timeline of Disappearance
According to official timelines released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department:
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On January 31, 2026, Nancy Guthrie was last seen in her neighborhood in the Catalina Foothills, northeast of Tucson.
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She had been dropped off at her residence by a family member — reported to be her son‑in‑law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to Nancy’s daughter, Annie. Cioni is the last known person to see her alive.
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The following morning, February 1, Nancy did not arrive for a planned gathering with friends. Concerned friends and relatives found her home unattended and called 911.
Investigators quickly determined that she had not left her home of her own volition. Given Nancy’s age, limited mobility, and need for daily medication, police said it was highly unlikely she could have walked away on her own.
️♂️ Shift to Criminal Investigation
Soon after the missing‑persons report was filed, the Sheriff’s Department declared Nancy’s residence a crime scene, signaling that foul play was suspected.
Authorities found evidence including blood at the home, later confirmed through DNA testing to belong to Nancy.
Sheriff Chris Nanos stated publicly that investigators believe Nancy did not leave on her own, and that the circumstances pointed toward abduction or kidnapping.
By early February, the sheriff’s office confirmed that the case had evolved from a missing‑person search into a criminal investigation, with specialized teams, federal assistance, and extensive search efforts underway.
Evidence and Search Efforts
Law enforcement agencies — including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI — have coordinated a broad search in the Tucson area that has included:
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Crime‑scene investigation at Nancy’s home, using drones, aircraft, search‑and‑rescue dogs, and ground teams.
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Interviews and follow‑ups with neighbors and residents in nearby neighborhoods.
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Temporary detentions and questioning of individuals during early phases of the probe, though no arrests have been made as of this writing.
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Analysis of items found near the home, such as gloves, although early forensic results indicated no definitive match to known individuals in relevant databases.
Authorities have made it clear that no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified, and everyone is still considered a potential source of leads as the investigation evolves.
Public Appeals and Ransom Notes
The Guthrie family and law enforcement have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Nancy.
In the days after her disappearance, the family released emotional video appeals seeking communication from whoever might be holding her.
Savannah, along with her siblings, implored anyone with information to help bring their mother home.
Unverified messages, including alleged ransom demands sent to local media outlets, were also circulated. Investigators have been working to determine the authenticity of those messages, and in some cases have confirmed that unrelated individuals sent hoax ransom texts unconnected to the main investigation.
To encourage tips, the FBI increased the reward posted for information regarding Nancy’s disappearance from $50,000 to $100,000. Authorities stress that even minor details could prove critical.
️ Family Clarifications and Rumor Control
In the early days of coverage, online rumors circulated — particularly around the fact that Nancy’s son‑in‑law was the last person known to see her. Such speculation prompted a definitive statement from law enforcement.
Sheriff Nanos issued a public clarification that no members of the Guthrie family — including all siblings and spouses — are considered suspects in the case. He emphasized that the family has been cooperative, “gracious,” and themselves victims of the situation.
“It is cruel to suggest otherwise,” he said, urging media and the public to report with professionalism and compassion rather than unfounded accusations.
This statement was intended to quell misinformation and keep the investigation focused on legitimate leads rather than speculation about family involvement.
Forensic and Technical Evidence
Investigators have worked methodically with forensic evidence, including:
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DNA and biological samples recovered at Nancy’s home, which were confirmed to belong to her.
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Analysis of surveillance footage and motion detectors around the time of her disappearance.
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Examination of a detached glove found in the general area — though DNA from it has not matched Nancy or known persons in federal databases.
Police have also noted changes in security system activity — such as cameras going offline and Nancy’s pacemaker disconnecting from its monitoring app — as part of the investigative timeline.
️ Family Impact and Public Support
Nancy’s disappearance has deeply affected her family. Savannah Guthrie stepped away from her NBC Today show duties — including planned coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics — to assist in the search and support her family.
Public support and prayers have poured in nationally, as viewers and well‑wishers express concern for Nancy’s safety and the emotional toll on her loved ones.
Her family has described Nancy as active, mentally sharp, and independent despite her age. She was known to attend local community events and maintain social routines.
The emotional weight of uncertainty — especially in the absence of proof that she is alive — has been one of the most painful aspects for her family.
What Law Enforcement Has Said About the Investigation
Sheriff Chris Nanos has been public about the challenges and openness of the investigation:
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He believes foul play is involved and that Nancy was likely taken “against her will.”
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Authorities remain cautious and thorough, noting that the search could take weeks, months, or longer to resolve.
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Investigators have not ruled out leads or investigative angles, and emphasize that all credible tips are being pursued.
Law enforcement has also appealed directly to the person or persons holding Nancy to make contact and provide evidence that she is alive, stressing that communication could significantly aid the case.
Search Tools and Resources in Use
Given the complexity of the case, authorities have deployed a range of search tools and resources:
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Aerial units (helicopters and drones) to scan terrain around Nancy’s home and adjacent areas.
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Ground units and volunteers conducting searches of remote lands near Tucson.
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Forensic specialists assisting with evidence processing.
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Coordination with federal agencies such as the FBI.
Sheriff Nanos also stressed that investigators are working cautiously around the clock, aware that Nancy’s age and medical needs make prompt progress especially critical.
Public Guidance and Next Steps
Officials continue to ask anyone with information — no matter how minor — to contact law enforcement immediately. Tips can be reported to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI tip line.
Investigators have underscored that details such as unusual activity, unfamiliar vehicles, or neighborhood observations around the night of her disappearance could be significant.
There are no indications that public safety is at risk, according to law enforcement statements, but the focus remains on finding Nancy and understanding the circumstances of her disappearance.
️ A Family Waiting and a Nation Hoping
As the investigation continues into February and beyond, Nancy’s family continues to balance hope with heartbreaking uncertainty.
Each day brings fresh questions, new lines of inquiry, and the unwavering desire to bring their mother home safely.
What started as a missing‑person report evolved into a high‑profile investigation with nationwide concern, but Nancy remains unlocated as authorities continue to press forward.
For now, the focus remains on solid evidence, credible leads, and cooperation between law enforcement and the public — because, as authorities have said repeatedly, even the smallest detail could help bring Nancy back to her family.
