Police say an intruder likely took Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother from her Arizona home overnight, sparking a criminal investigation.
Authorities in southern Arizona are treating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, as a possible abduction after new details emerged this week.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen late Saturday night, Jan. 31, at her home in Catalina Foothills, a residential area north of Tucson. By Sunday morning, she was gone.
What initially began as a missing-persons case has now become a full criminal investigation, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed Monday that investigators believe a crime was committed inside the home. “At this point, we believe she was taken from the home against her will,” Nanos said, adding that the circumstances point to a possible kidnapping or abduction during the night.
Investigators say the evidence does not support the idea that Guthrie left on her own. Nanos emphasized that her physical mobility was limited and that she was mentally sharp, making it highly unlikely she wandered away.
“She did not walk out of that home on her own,” he said.
Law enforcement has since designated the residence as a crime scene. Detectives are working with outside vendors to retrieve and analyze home security footage from the area.
In addition, what police describe as potential biological DNA evidence has been collected and submitted for rapid testing at crime labs.
Nancy’s disappearance came to light Sunday when a friend noticed she had not arrived at church and alerted one of her adult children. That call set off the initial welfare check and subsequent investigation.
As the search intensified, Savannah Guthrie, 54, was absent from Today on Monday. Her co-anchor Craig Melvin addressed viewers directly, calling the situation “a deeply personal story” for the show and confirming that Guthrie’s mother had been reported missing.
In a statement shared with the program, Savannah thanked the public for their support and urged anyone with information to contact authorities. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said.
While police acknowledge the outpouring of concern, Sheriff Nanos stressed the need to protect the integrity of the case.
The investigation remains active, and officials say every available lead is being pursued.
PHOTO CREDIT: Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
