TUCSON, Ariz. – In a troubling development, Arizona authorities are investigating the possible abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC’s “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. The 84-year-old woman went missing from her home, prompting an urgent search by law enforcement.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, north of Tucson, around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Family members had recently dropped her off at the home.
A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that Sheriff Chris Nanos suspects a criminal act occurred. “We are investigating this as a potential kidnapping or abduction, as evidence suggests she was taken from her home against her will,” the spokesperson explained.
Further details indicate that Nancy Guthrie may have been injured during the incident, although the nature and severity of her injuries remain undisclosed, as reported by NBC Nightly News.
A photo of Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was shared on Instagram by Savannah Guthrie. (Instagram/Savannah Guthrie)
In a conversation with NBC Nightly News’ Tom Llamas, Sheriff Nanos expressed his concern: “It’s unprecedented for us. An 84-year-old woman vanishing from her bed in the middle of the night is alarming.”
Additionally, Nanos told NewsNation there have been no ransom demands in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
A relative of Guthrie’s contacted authorities around noon on Sunday to report her missing after she did not show up for church, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.
“We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can. Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern,” Nanos said in a Sunday press conference, adding that the scene at the house raised “some concerns for us as well.”
“This is very concerning to us. We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this. But it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house,” Nanos said. “And so we’ll just continue. The detective’s homicide team is out right now looking at the scene as well.”
On Monday, Nanos told reporters that investigators found a crime scene at Nancy Guthrie’s house and that she did not leave on her own.
A missing person bulletin from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)
“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos said. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
While authorities initially launched a search-and-rescue mission for Nancy Guthrie, Nanos added that it has been shut down, saying, “We don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene.”
Nanos also revealed that Nancy has physical ailments that limit her mobility, but is of “good sound mind” and requires medication that could be fatal if not taken within 24 hours, according to NBC News.
“She could not walk out of that home 50 yards,” Nanos told the outlet.
Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie pictured on “Today” on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
In a statement released to NBC’s “Today,” Savannah Guthrie thanked investigators while calling for the public’s help in finding her mother.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement said.
“We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s department at: 520-351-4900,” it continued.
