Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing: Blood Found, $50K Reward Offered

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The announcement, made during a press conference on February 5th, underscores the intensifying search for Guthrie, who disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home over the weekend.

Authorities are currently treating the case as a potential abduction, according to statements made by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. While no suspects have been identified, Sheriff Nanos emphasized that “everybody is still a suspect in our eyes,” and that investigators are actively interviewing all individuals who may have had contact with Nancy Guthrie prior to her disappearance. The sheriff confirmed a family member drove Guthrie home on Saturday night, but declined to specify who that family member was.

The timeline of events, as pieced together by investigators, reveals a concerning sequence. Guthrie returned home at approximately 9:48 p.m. on January 31st, and the garage door closed at 9:50 p.m.. The following day, February 1st, at 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera disconnected. Around 2:12 a.m., the camera’s software detected a person on the property, though no video footage is available due to a lack of a service subscription. Shortly after, at 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker app indicated a disconnection from her phone.

The family initiated a welfare check on February 1st at 11:56 a.m., leading to a 911 call to the sheriff’s office at 12:03 p.m.. Patrol officers arrived at Guthrie’s residence at 12:15 p.m..

A significant development in the investigation is the confirmation that blood found on the porch of Guthrie’s home has been identified as hers. While DNA testing has not yet provided any leads regarding potential suspects, the discovery adds a layer of urgency to the search. Sheriff Nanos has refrained from commenting on reports of a forced entry at the residence.

The FBI’s involvement has been significantly escalated, with agents, analysts, and professional staff deployed to work alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The bureau’s critical incident response group from Quantico, Virginia, and its cellular analysis survey team are also assisting in the investigation. Heith Janke, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Phoenix, stated that the $50,000 reward is intended to incentivize anyone with information to come forward.

Savannah Guthrie and her family have made emotional pleas for her mother’s safe return. The situation has understandably drawn significant media attention, with news outlets closely following the developments in the case. The family’s distress is compounded by concerns regarding Guthrie’s medical needs, which were alluded to during a press briefing, though specific details were not disclosed.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The hope remains that Nancy Guthrie will be found safe, and those responsible for her disappearance will be brought to justice. The case highlights the vulnerability of seniors and the importance of community vigilance in ensuring their safety.

As of today, February 6th, there have been no further updates regarding Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. The FBI and local authorities continue to pursue all available leads, and the $50,000 reward remains in effect.