Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed confidence on Wednesday that Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old missing Arizona resident, is still alive.
“We have no evidence to suggest otherwise,” Nanos shared with NBC News’ Liz Kreutz. “We believe she is here, she is alive, and our goal is to bring her back safely.”
Nancy Guthrie, who is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from the Catalina Foothills, a region just outside Tucson, around 10 p.m. on Saturday. Her family reported her missing the following day, as previously covered by CrimeOnline.
In a statement released late Sunday, Nanos noted that investigators had observed some troubling signs at Guthrie’s home. By Monday, it was suggested that she had been taken from her bed.
Nancy Grace, host of Crime Stories, commented on Guthrie’s mobility challenges, adding, “We’ve now discovered evidence of forced entry.”
TMZ reported that local law enforcement received a tip from an elderly neighbor who spotted a suspicious individual near his property, located about a ten-minute drive from Guthrie’s home. This sighting is now being pursued as a potential lead in the case.
“She has mobility problems,” Crime Stories host, Nancy Grace, said. “We’re now learning there were signs of forced entry.”
According to what the sheriff’s office told TMZ, an elderly neighbor reported seeing a suspicious person near his home, which is about 10 minutes away from Nancy’s residence. The information is now being explored as a possible lead.
The neighbor reportedly said that he didn’t get to see the man’s face, who had been loitering in his yard before fleeing. No items were taken, the neighbor said.
Meanwhile, Nanos added that authorities are currently “working closely” with the family, adding that Guthrie’s son-in-law is not considered a suspect, despite rumors.
“At this point, we have not identified a suspect or a person of interest in the case.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Tipsters can also contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line at 520-351-4900.
[Feature Photo: Savannah Guthrie/Instagram]
