TUCSON, Arizona — An urgent and troubling search continues for Nancy Guthrie, the 84‑year‑old mother of NBC “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, after she vanished from her Catalina Foothills home late Saturday night under circumstances that have now led authorities to treat the case as a possible crime.
Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on January 31 near her residence north of Tucson. Her family became alarmed the next day when she failed to show up for church and could not be reached, prompting a 911 call around noon Sunday.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the media Monday, saying investigators found “concerning evidence” inside Nancy’s home that makes them believe she did not leave on her own. Law enforcement has now formally labeled the residence a crime scene, a rare move that signals a shift from a standard missing‑person search to a criminal inquiry.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Nancy is mentally sharp and has no known cognitive issues, but does have physical limitations and needs daily medication. Officials warned that the lack of her required medicine could become life‑threatening if she goes too long without it.
Search and rescue teams joined forces with K‑9 units, drones, helicopters and other agencies to comb the Catalina Foothills and surrounding trails. Homicide detectives are also involved, and authorities are urging neighbors and the public to review any home security footage or unusual activity that might provide clues.
Savannah Guthrie, who missed Monday’s “Today” show to be with family, issued a heartfelt statement thanking the public and law enforcement for their support. She said the family’s focus remains on her mother’s safe return and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Nancy is described as about 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing roughly 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what she was wearing when she disappeared. Residents and anyone who may have seen her Saturday night or in the days since are being asked to call authorities immediately.
This investigation continues to draw national attention, not just because of Savannah Guthrie’s profile, but because of the unsettling details emerging from the crime scene and the desperate plea of a family searching for their loved one.
