Savannah Guthrie’s 84-Year-Old Mother Reported Missing in Arizona With Homicide Detectives Investigating

2 February 2026

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has evolved from a missing person case into a full-fledged criminal investigation that has gripped not only her family but communities and law enforcement agencies across southern Arizona. Nancy, who was last seen at her home near Tucson on the evening of January 31, 2026, was reported missing the following day when family members grew concerned after she failed to show up for church and could not be located. At the time of the report, initial searches turned up no sign of her whereabouts, and both local and federal authorities quickly ramped up efforts to find the elderly woman, whose disappearance now involves homicide detectives and nationwide attention.

Nancy Guthrie’s absence was first noticed when she did not attend her scheduled Sunday morning church service and failed to respond to calls from friends and family. A family member reported her missing to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department around noon on February 1 after searching her property and finding no trace of her. Authorities responded immediately and initiated a comprehensive search involving ground units, aerial support, drones and search-and-rescue teams, but within a short period they began treating her residence not as a simple missing-person scene but as a potential crime scene. Investigators discovered evidence at the home that suggested foul play may be involved, prompting the deployment of homicide detectives alongside standard search efforts.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the case early in the week, noting that certain circumstances at the property were deeply concerning enough to warrant the involvement of homicide units. Among the troubling findings were signs of forced entry into Nancy’s home and the fact that many of her personal belongings including her cellphone, keys, medication and even her car were left behind, leading investigators to believe she did not depart voluntarily. Given her age, limited mobility and reliance on daily medication, there is intense concern for her physical well-being, especially as the days without contact continue to mount.

In addition to the unusual circumstances at the home, authorities have publicly discussed other unsettling details that add complexity to the case. Local law enforcement confirmed that blood found on Nancy’s front porch matched her DNA, reinforcing suspicions that her disappearance was not a matter of wandering off or simple miscommunication. The presence of blood and other forensic indicators has further intensified the investigation and deepened concern among detectives about the possibility that Nancy was abducted from her home sometime during the night of January 31.

Despite the involvement of homicide officers and the mounting evidence suggesting a crime, no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified. The sheriff’s department has stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that all leads are being thoroughly pursued, but as of the latest updates authorities have not named anyone suspected in Nancy’s disappearance. In addition to local law enforcement, federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been briefed on the case and are assisting in efforts to locate Nancy and determine what happened to her. The FBI has even offered a reward of $50,000 for information that could lead to her safe return or to the resolution of the case.

Following the news of her mother’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie who had been recovering from recent vocal cord surgery stepped away from her duties on the Today show to focus on her family and the search effort. She and her siblings released emotional appeals to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist law enforcement. In one video message, Savannah and her brother and sister spoke directly to anyone possibly involved in their mother’s disappearance, asking for confirmation of their mother’s safety and pleading for a way to communicate with those responsible if she was being held against her will.

The family’s anguish has been shared widely across social media and news outlets, with friends, colleagues and fans expressing support and prayer for Nancy’s return. Close friends described the situation as a nightmare, underscoring just how unthinkable it is for someone of Nancy’s age and health status to be missing under such alarming conditions. The case has also garnered attention at the national level, with local news organizations reporting on the possibility of ransom notes being sent to media outlets, though authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of all such communications. Investigators are treating any credible information seriously and are reviewing these materials as part of the ongoing investigation.

As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its second week, authorities continue to appeal for public assistance and tips that might shed light on her disappearance. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has reiterated that there is no indication of danger to the broader public, but the circumstances of the case involving the apparent crime scene at her home and the involvement of homicide detectives remain deeply troubling for her family and investigators alike. Savannah Guthrie’s absence from her professional obligations reflects the gravity of the situation, as she remains in Arizona to be near the scene and support the search effort while cooperating with law enforcement at every step.

The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, and as new details emerge authorities have urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The hope persists that Nancy, described by those who know her as mentally sharp and still of great character despite her physical limitations, will be found safe and eventually reunited with her family.