Search Intensifies for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother, Nancy Guthrie, Described as Possible Kidnapping
The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of “TODAY” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, continues to captivate the nation as investigators pursue leads in what authorities are calling a possible kidnapping. Guthrie was reported missing February 1st from her home near Tucson, Arizona, after failing to appear at a friend’s house for a scheduled virtual church service.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has outlined a timeline of events, beginning the evening of January 31st. According to Nanos, Nancy Guthrie took an Uber to her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home for dinner and family time. She was dropped off at her own residence around 9:48 p.m., with the garage door closing two minutes later.
The following day, February 1st, family members discovered Guthrie missing around 11:56 a.m., prompting a 911 call at 12:03 p.m. Deputies arrived on scene approximately ten minutes later.
Key Moments in the Timeline
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted in her sleep early Sunday morning. A critical piece of the puzzle emerged when her doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. Software detected a person on the camera at 2:12 a.m., though no video is available due to the lack of a subscription, which caused the footage to loop and overwrite. Simultaneously, at 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone.
The case took a significant turn last week with the release of doorbell camera images by the FBI, showing an armed and masked man outside Guthrie’s home on the morning of her disappearance. The FBI has identified the individual as a suspect, describing him as a man of average build, between 5’9” and 5’10”, wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Blood found on the porch of Guthrie’s home tested positive as her DNA. Investigators also discovered DNA from an unidentified individual on the property, and are working to determine its origin. Authorities have not commented on whether there were signs of forced entry.
At least three news outlets reportedly received a ransom note referencing Guthrie, a copy of which NBC News reviewed and found consistent with descriptions provided by the FBI. However, no law enforcement agency has yet substantiated the note’s authenticity. Former FBI agents have noted the unusual absence of direct communication from a potential kidnapper and a clear ransom demand.
Family’s Plea for Return
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, have publicly pleaded for their mother’s safe return, sharing emotional videos on Instagram. In a February 4th video, Savannah Guthrie tearfully implored her mother’s captor to provide proof of life. She directly addressed the possible kidnapper in a February 5th video, asking for contact. A subsequent video on February 7th revealed the family’s willingness to pay a ransom for her release, stating, “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace.”
On February 9th, Savannah Guthrie expressed the family’s continued hope, stating they believe their mother is “still out there” and feeling the support of prayers. A February 12th post shared a home video of Nancy Guthrie with her family, accompanied by the message, “our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.”
Unanswered Questions
Despite the ongoing investigation, several key questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding how someone may have entered Guthrie’s home, the location of the missing doorbell camera, or whether any of the reported ransom notes are legitimate. The question of whether Guthrie has access to her necessary daily medication also remains open.
The FBI is urging anyone with information related to the case to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
