Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Arizona resident, was last seen on Saturday night at her home, with investigators not dismissing the possibility of foul play in her disappearance.
WASHINGTON — Savannah Guthrie, host of the “TODAY” show, made her first public remarks on Monday regarding her mother’s disappearance, expressing gratitude to supporters in a heartfelt statement.
During Monday’s “TODAY” broadcast, Guthrie’s co-anchors shared her statement, in which she thanked well-wishers for their support and urged anyone with information to step forward.
“Our family deeply appreciates all the thoughts, prayers, and messages of encouragement we’ve received. Our primary concern is the safe return of our beloved mom,” she stated. “We are grateful to law enforcement for their dedicated efforts and urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”
Guthrie was noticeably absent from the morning show, as officials confirmed she had traveled to Arizona to aid in the ongoing search for her mother.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that Nancy Guthrie disappeared over the weekend from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Arizona.
The department said that Guthrie was last seen Saturday night around 9:30 p.m. at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue.
In a press conference Sunday night, Sheriff Nanos confirmed search and rescue teams are out searching for Guthrie. Deputies have also contacted local hospitals, but none in the area have seen her.
The sheriff confirmed in the press conference that homicide detectives are investigating the scene, as well.
It is unknown if foul play is a factor in her disappearance and Nanos said the department is not ruling it out at this time.
“I don’t need to tell you, this is very concerning to us,” Nanos said. “We don’t typically get the sheriffs out at a scene like this.”
Guthrie is 5’5″ and 150 pounds, and she has brown hair and blue eyes. She has no known mental or cognitive challenges.
It is unknown what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.
Pima County Sheriff says case is now being treated as a crime scene
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Monday morning that investigators are treating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as a crime, citing concerning findings at her home.
“It is a crime scene,” Nanos said during a press conference. “We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us.”
Sheriff’s deputies were called to Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence around noon Sunday after family members reported she did not show up to church and could not be located at the home. Search-and-rescue teams, K-9 units and deputies worked throughout the day and overnight but were unable to find her.
Nanos said investigators do not believe Guthrie left the home on her own. He noted that she lives alone, her cellphone was recovered, and she has limited mobility.
“She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself,” Nanos said. “She is very limited in her mobility. We know she didn’t just walk out of there.”
Authorities said Guthrie suffers from physical ailments and requires medication, which could be life-threatening if she does not receive it within 24 hours.
While officials declined to provide specifics about what was found inside the home, Nanos said homicide detectives are involved and investigators are relying heavily on technology, including neighborhood cameras and license plate data, to piece together what happened.
“We do not see this as a search mission as much as a crime scene,” Nanos said.
Nanos emphasized that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public and said investigators do not know whether Guthrie was targeted.
The sheriff urged anyone with information to contact 911.
“What I really need is this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” Nanos said.
Authorities said the Guthrie family has been cooperative and remains in close contact with investigators as the case continues.
