Savannah Guthrie’s mother believed taken from home against her will by unknown person

Police now believe Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother was taken from her Arizona home against her will

Authorities in Arizona now believe that the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, was taken from her home against her will, marking a troubling turn in the search for the missing woman. Law enforcement officials told reporters at a press briefing on February 2, 2026, that what had begun as a missing person investigation is now being treated as a possible criminal abduction after signs at her residence suggested foul play.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home near Tucson in the Catalina Foothills area. When she failed to attend church the next day, her family became concerned and reported her missing around midday on February 1. Investigators quickly determined that her home was a crime scene rather than a typical search situation, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that they now believe she did not leave the residence on her own. “We know she did not walk out of there,” Nanos said, adding that evidence at the scene indicates she was likely taken from the home, possibly in the middle of the night.

Sheriff Nanos told NBC that Nancy’s limited physical mobility made it highly unlikely she could have left her home unaided and that she required daily medication, the absence of which could be dangerous. Officials have urged neighbours to review home security footage that might provide leads in the case, and the FBI has been notified and is aware of the investigation.

The disappearance has drawn widespread attention and concern from the public and online communities. Many observers have echoed the sheriff’s description of the situation as “terrifying” and expressed empathy for Savannah Guthrie and her family as they wait for answers and plead for Nancy’s safe return.

Savannah Guthrie, who has temporarily stepped away from her Today show duties to be with her family in Arizona, issued a heartfelt statement asking for prayers and public assistance in locating her mother. In her message she thanked the community for their support and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact authorities.

The situation remains fluid as police continue their search. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stressed the urgency of locating Nancy Guthrie due to her health needs and the fact that she might be in grave danger without her medication. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage, reviewing potential biological evidence from the home, and appealing to the public for any clues that could help bring her home safely.