Sheriff Provides Update on Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
Authorities searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, say they still have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in her disappearance, and the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information, officials announced Thursday.
Investigators from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation provided updates during a joint briefing, emphasizing that the case remains active and that officials are pursuing all leads. Guthrie was reported missing January 31 from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.
Authorities believe Guthrie was taken from her residence against her will and continue to treat the incident as a potential abduction. Law enforcement has described the search as ongoing, and Sheriff Chris Nanos said officials have not confirmed proof of life.
When asked if Tommaso Cioni, Guthrie’s son-in-law, was the last person to see her before her disappearance on Sunday, the county sheriff confirmed that a family member had driven her home on Saturday night but did not specify who it was.
“We’re actively looking at everybody we come across in this case, everybody. It would be irresponsible if we didn’t talk to everybody,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. “Everybody is still a suspect in our eyes.”
Nanos reported that authorities have revealed new information about the final moments leading up to Guthrie’s disappearance.
On the night of January 31, Guthrie returned home at approximately 9:48 p.m. Authorities indicated that within two minutes, the garage door closed, marking the last confirmed sign of her presence inside the home.
“That time, we assume that Nancy’s home and probably going to bed,” Nanos said.
At approximately 1:47 a.m. the next morning, Guthrie’s doorbell camera lost its connection. The software detected a figure on camera around 2:12 a.m., but officials noted that no video or playback subscription was available to verify whether the detection was of a person or even an animal.
About 40 minutes after the camera went offline, Guthrie’s pacemaker also lost connection to her phone app, according to officials.
The family discovered that Guthrie was missing around 11:56 a.m. when she did not arrive for her regular church service.
Investigators confirmed that blood was found on the front porch, and DNA testing matched it to Guthrie. Nanos declined to comment on whether the suspected abduction involved forced entry, stating, “We are not discussing that at all, whether it’s forced entry or not.”
The FBI’s reward offer covers information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Officials have urged members of the public to come forward with any relevant information.
FBI Special Agent Keith Janke stated that authorities are taking the ransom note seriously. He said that one note referenced an Apple Watch while another mentioned a floodlight. He added that he would refrain from providing further specifics, Fox News reported.
Investigators are also examining reported ransom notes and other evidence but have not verified their authenticity. Digital and forensic analysis remains part of the investigation, and authorities continue to work with federal partners to follow up on tips.
Officials stated that the authors of the ransom note have not responded to the video released on Wednesday by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, and the family is hoping to establish contact.
Nanos expressed hope that Guthrie is still alive, and law enforcement officers said the search will continue as they analyze evidence and interview potential witnesses.
Family members, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, have issued public pleas for their mother’s safe return and asked anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
“The family is ready to talk, get proof of life because there has been no contact after that ransom note,” Janke said.
