What began as a routine missing-person search in a quiet Arizona neighborhood has developed into a more serious investigation. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since late January. Authorities now say the case is being treated as a suspected crime, raising new concerns about what may have occurred in and around her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially focused search-and-rescue efforts on nearby desert terrain. That strategy shifted after investigators examined the residence more closely. Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that officials do not believe Nancy left the home voluntarily and that evidence suggests she may have been taken against her will. Investigators are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and analyzing biological evidence recovered from the home, though specific details have not been publicly disclosed to protect the integrity of the case.
Neighbors have described an increased law enforcement presence in the area, including unmarked vehicles and requests for residents to review doorbell and security camera footage. One nearby resident, Morgan Brown, said the situation has been unsettling for the community, which is typically quiet. Neighbors also noted that Nancy’s age and mobility challenges make it unlikely she would have traveled far on her own, adding to concerns about her disappearance.
Authorities have said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, but they continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. A reward is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest. As investigators pursue every available lead, the case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting how quickly uncertainty can disrupt even the most peaceful neighborhoods and how important public cooperation can be in helping families seek answers during difficult times.