The normally peaceful desert neighborhoods of Tucson have become the focus of a deeply troubling investigation after authorities confirmed that 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie — mother of Savannah Guthrie — was likely abducted from her home. What initially appeared to be a missing persons case has now escalated into a serious criminal inquiry. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has officially designated her $1 million property as a crime scene, citing evidence that strongly suggests she was taken against her will. Investigators describe a disturbing scenario: an elderly woman with limited mobility removed from her own bedroom during the night.
Nancy was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after returning home from a church event. Concern arose the following day when she failed to attend her regular Sunday service — something friends described as highly unusual. Family members went to check on her around noon and were met with alarming signs. Sheriff Chris Nanos later described the scene as “deeply concerning.” The front door was reportedly left open, and inside the home there were indications that her disappearance was not voluntary.
Crucially, Nancy’s personal belongings — including her phone, purse, identification, and keys — were still inside the house. Given her limited physical mobility, officials have firmly dismissed the possibility that she left on her own. Sheriff Nanos emphasized during a press conference that she was physically unable to walk any significant distance unassisted. He also confirmed that she does not suffer from dementia or cognitive impairment, eliminating the likelihood of confusion-related wandering. Combined with evidence found in the bedroom, investigators believe she was forcibly removed.
Adding urgency to the case is a serious medical concern. Nancy requires specific daily medication to manage a health condition, and missing even a single day could place her life at risk. On air, her colleague Jenna Bush Hager acknowledged how critical the medication is. Authorities are now racing against time, treating the situation as both a criminal investigation and a medical emergency.
The initial response involved a large-scale search effort that included helicopters, drones, K-9 teams, and ground units combing the surrounding desert terrain. However, by Monday, Sheriff Nanos announced that the operation had transitioned from an expansive search to a focused criminal investigation. The involvement of homicide detectives does not confirm the worst-case outcome, but it reflects the seriousness of the evidence discovered inside the home. “You don’t typically see the sheriff personally overseeing scenes like this,” Nanos remarked, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Savannah Guthrie quickly traveled to Arizona following the news. In a composed yet emotional statement, she thanked supporters and emphasized that the family’s only priority is her mother’s safe return. Behind the scenes at Today, colleagues have expressed solidarity and concern. Reports describe a somber atmosphere, with staff gathering in prayer while covering the unfolding developments.
The investigation has expanded to include federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, partly due to Tucson’s proximity to the Mexican border. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from neighboring homes and interviewing anyone who may have seen suspicious activity that night. While some residents fear a broader threat, Sheriff Nanos has stated that there is currently no evidence suggesting the public is in immediate danger. He declined to comment on whether Nancy may have been specifically targeted because of her daughter’s public profile.
Forensic teams continue to examine the property thoroughly, searching for DNA evidence, fingerprints, and signs of forced entry. Authorities are withholding certain details to preserve the integrity of the investigation, referring only to “disturbing evidence” discovered inside the home. The sheriff’s direct involvement signals how seriously officials are treating the case.
As days pass, the Tucson community and viewers across the country remain united in hope and concern. For the Guthrie family, the ordeal has been described as a nightmare unfolding in the middle of the night — sudden, terrifying, and unimaginable. As the investigation intensifies, law enforcement officials continue working around the clock, determined to uncover answers and bring Nancy home safely.