The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, has entered a heartbreaking and urgent phase. What began as a missing person search has now escalated into a potential criminal investigation, leaving her family and loved ones facing mounting fear and uncertainty.
During a press conference on Sunday, February 1, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared new and deeply concerning details, noting that the Guthrie family has been working closely with investigators as the case unfolds.
Officials stressed that time is critical and that evidence at the home has raised a serious alarm. As authorities work against the clock, here are five fast facts outlining what is known so far about the case.
1. Nancy Guthrie’s Home Is Now Considered a Crime Scene
Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona, and police have confirmed that her home is being treated as a crime scene.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said aspects of the scene raised “grave concern,” prompting homicide detectives to become involved. He would not elaborate on the evidence, saying it would be “inappropriate at this time.”
“You 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.
2. Authorities Say She Did Not Leave on Her Own
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie did not voluntarily walk away from her home.
“She is very limited in her mobility, we know she didn’t just walk out of there, that we know,” Nanos said. “There were other things at the scene that indicate that she did not leave on her own.”
He later added that she “could not walk 50 yards on her own.”
3. She Lacks Critical Medication, and Time Is Urgent
Officials said Nancy does not have cognitive impairments and is “sharp as a tack,” but she has physical challenges and requires daily medication that could be fatal if missed.
Nanos told reporters that “time is very critical,” noting that the medication is needed within 24 hours.
“She’s very alert, of good, sound mind — just some physical ailments that limit her ability to move around,” he said, according to NBC.
4. Search Shifted After Case Treated as a Crime
Authorities initially launched an extensive search using drones, helicopters, airplanes, search-and-rescue dogs, and volunteers.
However, Nanos later said that the search was “shut down” after the disappearance began being treated as a crime.
“Right now, we don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” he said.
Investigators now have Nancy Guthrie’s cell phone, and house staff have been in contact with law enforcement.
5. Savannah Guthrie and Her Family Are Working With Police: Here’s How To Help Them
Savannah Guthrie, who is now in Arizona, shared a statement on behalf of her family through “Today,” expressing gratitude as the search continues.
NBC“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” she said.
“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. 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.”
As per Today, Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities said concern grew after family members learned she did not attend church as expected. They went to her home to look for her before contacting the police.
As the investigation moves forward, officials have said foul play cannot be ruled out, though they do not believe the public is in danger. Across morning television and beyond, colleagues and viewers alike continue to hold out hope for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
RECENT UPDATES: 3rd Feb-2026: 10:56 AM
- Police say investigators now believe Nancy was the victim of a crime.
- Authorities have confirmed several troubling developments in the case, including reports that blood was found inside Guthrie’s home and signs that she may have been taken against her will.
- “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction,” Nanos said at the Monday press conference.
- “We believe now, after we’ve processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos said, as per CBS.
- Initial search efforts focused on the Catalina Foothills area, with authorities deploying drones, aircraft, ground crews, and dog teams.
- The sheriff’s department confirmed that the FBI has offered assistance, and U.S. Border Patrol agents have provided search dogs.
- Neighbors have been asked to review home security footage and contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department with any relevant information.
- Large-scale search operations have since been scaled back, with Nanos explaining, “Right now, we don’t see this as a search mission, as much as we do a crime scene.”
Investigators have also said that Guthrie’s sister was the last family member to see her before she went missing, details that have added urgency to an already desperate search.
