The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has gripped public attention since early February 2026. What began as a seemingly routine missing person report quickly escalated into a high-profile kidnapping investigation, marked by blood evidence, a ransom note, repeated searches of the family home, and widespread speculation. Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the FBI, have treated the case as an abduction from the outset, insisting that Nancy did not leave her Tucson, Arizona, residence voluntarily.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after spending time with family members, including her daughter Annie. She returned to her upscale $1 million home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson around 9:45 p.m. Her pacemaker reportedly disconnected from her monitoring device shortly after 2 a.m. on February 1, prompting concern. Family members reported her missing later that day when she failed to respond.
Investigators discovered troubling signs at the scene. A trail of blood droplets led from inside the home to the front porch and driveway. Forensic testing confirmed the blood belonged to Nancy. Signs of forced entry were noted, though details remain limited. Her Ring doorbell camera had been removed or tampered with, and other security elements appeared compromised. Authorities described the home as a clear crime scene, believing Nancy was taken against her will from her bedroom during the night. The sheriff emphasized that her mobility issues—she often used a cane—made it unlikely she wandered off independently.
A ransom note soon surfaced, adding urgency to the case. It was reportedly addressed to Savannah Guthrie and demanded some form of exchange, though specifics have not been publicly disclosed. Family members, including Savannah, Annie, and their brother Camron, released a public video plea for their mother’s safe return. They stressed the need for proof of life before any further action, working closely with law enforcement. Savannah’s prominence as a national broadcaster amplified media coverage, drawing in experts and commentators from outlets like Fox News, CNN, and others.
Police conducted multiple searches of Nancy’s home—four times in the initial week alone. Crime scene tape went up and down repeatedly, leading to criticism over potential mishandling of the scene. On one occasion, agents removed a vehicle from the garage and a wired device from the roof, possibly a security camera overlooked in earlier sweeps. A neighbor’s observation about the unusually clean roof prompted one renewed search. Investigators also probed Annie Guthrie’s nearby home late one night, photographing rooms extensively and removing items in bags. A mysterious silver briefcase was spotted in an unmarked police vehicle during one visit, fueling rumors, though no official explanation emerged.
Other developments included a septic tank search behind Nancy’s property, where officers used poles to probe the manhole. Drone footage captured the activity, but authorities offered no details on findings. K-9 units, tactical teams, and even Border Patrol assistance were deployed at various points. A second note arrived at a local TV station, and police appealed for tips from the public.
Throughout the investigation, officials maintained that no suspect or person of interest had been publicly identified. They refuted speculation about family involvement, including theories targeting Annie’s husband. Sheriff Chris Nanos repeatedly expressed hope that Nancy remained alive, stating he would continue on that assumption until evidence proved otherwise. Experts, including former FBI agents and criminologists, described the case as atypical for a traditional ransom kidnapping. Some suggested the abductor(s) knew the home layout, camera positions, and routines intimately. The lack of prompt proof of life from the kidnappers raised grim concerns that the situation may have turned tragic early on.
The case highlighted vulnerabilities for elderly residents in semi-rural areas, even affluent ones. Nancy had reportedly searched for home monitoring solutions shortly before her disappearance, sensing unusual activity around her property. Neighbors expressed shock and fear, with one recalling a suspicious car in a driveway weeks earlier.
As weeks passed without resolution, the investigation continued amid intense scrutiny. Rewards were offered for information leading to Nancy’s safe return. The family endured unimaginable strain under the spotlight, balancing private grief with public appeals. The twists—blood evidence, multiple searches, notes, and elusive motives—kept the story in headlines, underscoring how quickly an ordinary night can turn into a nightmare.
