News broke nationwide in early February 2026 that 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, under circumstances law enforcement now treats as a suspected criminal abduction. Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after family members dropped her at her residence following dinner. When she failed to show up the next morning for a scheduled appointment, concern escalated and family members found her missing and called 911. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which took the lead in the investigation, described the evidence at the scene—bloodstains confirmed to be Guthrie’s and signs that she had not left voluntarily—as inconsistent with a routine missing person case, prompting detectives to classify the situation as a potential abduction. The FBI joined the investigation shortly after, reflecting the case’s seriousness and high public profile.
Law enforcement agencies have thus far released surveillance footage showing a masked man outside Guthrie’s front door in the early hours of February 1, believed to be connected to her disappearance, but no suspect has been publicly identified and no arrests have been made. A glove found approximately two miles from her home that may have been worn by the suspect has yielded DNA that did not match any profiles in the FBI’s CODIS database, presenting a significant forensic challenge. Authorities are now pursuing more advanced genetic genealogy and analytic techniques to try to isolate usable leads from DNA samples collected at the Guthrie property, which are reportedly mixed and contain material from more than one person. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that this DNA analysis could take weeks, months, or longer to fully process, adding to the complexity of the ongoing search. Investigators are also examining other digital and physical evidence such as video feeds, doorbell camera metadata, potential purchases of gear worn by the suspect, and interviews with neighbors and persons of interest.
The social impact of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has been profound, touching communities far beyond Tucson. Savannah Guthrie and her family have made public appeals urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing hope that her mother will be found safely. Savannah shared a video message asking those involved or with knowledge of the case to “do the right thing,” expressing belief in goodness and human kindness despite the uncertainty surrounding the investigation. Meanwhile, local and national communities have rallied in support, with neighbors tying yellow ribbons near her home and social media groups of civilian volunteers—sometimes calling themselves “mom detectives”—deploying collective energy dissecting timelines, sharing camera footage, and analyzing public records in an effort to contribute to the search. These grassroots efforts, while informal and not coordinated with law enforcement, underscore the widespread concern and emotional investment surrounding a case that has gripped the nation.
In an effort to encourage credible tips, the reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return now exceeds $200,000, combining a $100,000 FBI reward with a matching or additional contribution from local sources such as the 88‑CRIME tipline. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that any credible evidence, no matter how small or circumstantial, could be critical in breaking the case open. Police and FBI officials continue to appeal for surveillance footage from neighbors, businesses, and nearby properties, and have canvassed surrounding areas for additional clues. Despite the intense media spotlight and public scrutiny, investigators are balancing transparency with the need to protect the integrity of the investigation, cautious not to disclose details that could compromise leads or alert potential suspects. The official message from law enforcement remains steadfast: this is an active and evolving investigation, and they remain persistent in following all viable leads until Guthrie is found or the case is resolved.
Authorities have also explicitly cleared Nancy Guthrie’s family members as suspects, noting that Savannah Guthrie, her siblings, and their spouses have all been fully cooperative and should be regarded as victims alongside their missing matriarch. Early rumors and speculation about family involvement arose in parallel with the intense media coverage and online discussion, but were dispelled by formal statements from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office emphasizing that much of that speculation was unfounded and harmful. Although other individuals have been briefly detained for questioning as the investigation proceeded, none have been held or charged, and police maintain that the investigation continues to prioritize factual evidence over conjecture. Meanwhile, logistical efforts in the field have included barricades near Guthrie’s neighborhood to aid search operations and a methodical review of tips, phone records, and digital footprints that might yield a breakthrough.
Still deeply in its third week, the search for Nancy Guthrie highlights both the difficulties and urgency of missing persons investigations, especially those involving vulnerable adults with health needs. Guthrie, described as reliant on daily medication and with limited mobility, remains unaccounted for as law enforcement continues to race against time to find her. Public officials, family members, and community advocates alike have reiterated the hope that she is still alive, urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or holds relevant information to come forward immediately. With the investigation ongoing and no definitive resolution yet in sight, authorities have underscored their commitment to leaving no stone unturned as they press forward with a blend of traditional police work and emerging forensic technologies in the hope of bringing Nancy Guthrie home.
