Arizona authorities are treating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of NBC “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — not as a routine missing persons case, but as a criminal investigation, sending shockwaves through a normally quiet community outside Tucson.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed February 2 that investigators have established an active crime scene at the elderly woman’s home.
“We do in fact have a crime scene. We do in fact have a crime,” Nanos told reporters. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening at her residence. Family members reported her missing around noon the following day after being unable to reach her. According to authorities, she lives alone but employs caregivers to assist with daily needs and upkeep of the property.
While law enforcement is withholding key details to protect the integrity of the investigation, the sheriff confirmed that video footage from security cameras around the home is being reviewed. He urged neighbors to comb through Ring and home surveillance systems for anything unusual.
“I need this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” Nanos said, emphasizing that even small details could prove critical.
The search effort initially involved drones, rescue dogs, aircraft, and volunteer teams scouring the surrounding desert terrain. But officials have since shifted focus.
“Right now, we don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” the sheriff explained, signaling investigators believe foul play is likely involved.
Authorities also stressed the urgency of the case. Nancy Guthrie relies on daily medication essential to her survival. Without access to it, her health could deteriorate rapidly. The sheriff dismissed speculation about cognitive decline, stating she is mentally “sharp as a tack” and that her disappearance is not related to dementia.
Federal agencies are now assisting. The FBI has been notified, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is supporting the investigation — a reminder of how seriously officials are treating the situation, especially given Arizona’s proximity to the southern border and the region’s ongoing public safety challenges.
Savannah Guthrie traveled to Arizona following the news. Monday’s broadcast of NBC’s “TODAY” opened with an emotional acknowledgment of the case. Co-anchor Craig Melvin described it as a “deeply personal story” for the network.
In a statement aired during the program, Guthrie thanked the public for its support.
“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she 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.”
Family members say Nancy Guthrie was last seen between 9:00 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. She is described as 5-foot-5, approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Officials note she is in fragile physical health but cognitively strong.
The case has rattled residents in the area, many of whom are now double-checking locks, cameras, and neighborhood watch groups. It also highlights broader concerns about crime targeting vulnerable seniors — an issue that has grown nationally as law enforcement agencies warn of increasingly bold offenders.
For now, investigators are racing against time. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact the sheriff’s department immediately.
The Guthrie family, friends, and an anxious community are waiting for answers — and hoping for a safe return.
