The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is now being treated as a serious criminal investigation, according to law enforcement officials. As authorities continue searching for the 84-year-old woman, a nearby resident has shared unsettling observations that add to concerns of a possible kidnapping.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Saturday, January 31, after she was last known to be at her home in the Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson, Arizona. Despite extensive search-and-rescue efforts, investigators have been unable to locate her.
On Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that officials believe a crime occurred.
“At this stage of the investigation, we believe she was taken from her home against her will,” Nanos said, explaining that this could include abduction or kidnapping. He added that authorities do not believe she left voluntarily.
According to investigators, Guthrie went to bed Saturday night and was gone by Sunday morning. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that evidence suggests she did not leave the residence on her own.
Evidence Found Inside the Home
Law enforcement is currently reviewing home surveillance footage from the surrounding neighborhood and has collected what they describe as biological evidence from inside the house.
Sheriff Nanos noted that Nancy Guthrie was mentally sharp and fully aware, which heightened concerns about her disappearance.
“That’s part of what makes this so troubling,” he said. “She knew what was going on. We believe someone entered that home and removed her without her consent.”
Early Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement sources, reported that blood was discovered inside the residence, along with possible signs of forced entry. Officials have not confirmed whose blood was found.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for photos, videos, or information that leads to an arrest in connection with the case.
“We’re using every resource available to us,” Nanos said. “We are doing everything possible to find her.”
Neighbor Shares Alarming Observations
As the investigation continues, Morgan Brown, who lives about a quarter-mile away, spoke with Us Weekly about the unusual activity near the home following Guthrie’s disappearance.
Brown reported seeing multiple dark-colored vans with heavily tinted windows near the property, adding to the sense of alarm in the neighborhood.
Residents have been asked by authorities to review Ring and home security cameras for anything unusual that may help investigators piece together a timeline.
Brown also described the surrounding terrain, explaining that the area quickly transitions into rugged desert.
“If you step just a couple of feet off the road, you’re immediately in desert terrain,” Brown said. “It’s not gated, and there are cactus, rocks, and mesquite trees everywhere.”
Given Guthrie’s mobility limitations, Brown said it was difficult to believe she wandered away on her own.
“She uses a cane,” Brown explained. “I can’t imagine her walking off into that environment.”
Community Shocked by Disappearance
Brown added that the neighborhood is largely made up of retirees and long-term residents and is not known for criminal activity.
“You don’t usually hear about anything strange happening around here,” Brown said.
Authorities echoed those concerns, noting that Nancy Guthrie would not have been able to walk far by herself.
Brown also acknowledged that the case immediately brought Savannah Guthrie to mind.
“I can’t understand why anyone would target an 84-year-old woman,” Brown said. “You start wondering if it has something to do with her daughter. It’s just devastating news.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Officials stress that even small details could prove critical.
Support and concern continue to pour in for the Guthrie family as the search for Nancy Guthrie goes on.