Signs of Forced Entry Found at Tucson Home of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

TUCSON, Ariz. (JN) – A suspected abduction in Tucson has drawn national attention after investigators reported signs of forced entry at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Authorities say she was last seen Saturday night and is believed to have been taken against her will.

The case, unfolding in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, has prompted a multi-agency response involving the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Officials are appealing for public tips while withholding key details as the investigation continues.

Savannah Guthrie asked for prayers in a social media post late Monday, describing her mother as “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant,” and urging supporters to “bring her home.”

Investigation focuses on evidence inside the home

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the FBI’s Tucson chief briefed reporters Tuesday, confirming that evidence inside the residence suggested a break-in. Nanos declined to characterize whether investigators believe the incident was random or targeted, or to detail what was found.

A person familiar with the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, said investigators identified specific evidence pointing to a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Nancy Guthrie’s personal items — including her cellphone, wallet and car — were still at the house.

Nanos has said Guthrie requires daily medication and could face life-threatening complications without it. Asked whether authorities were searching for her alive, he responded, “We hope we are.”

DNA samples have been collected and submitted for analysis. “We’ve gotten some back, but nothing to indicate any suspects,” Nanos said.

Review of video, cellphone and vehicle data

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and analyzing data from cellphone towers in the area. License plate reader data is also being examined, according to the person familiar with the case.

The motive remains unclear. Authorities said there is no indication at this stage that the incident was linked to a robbery, home invasion, or a traditional ransom plot.

On Tuesday, TMZ reported receiving what it described as a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency for Guthrie’s release. A journalist with Tucson television station KOLD said on social media that the station also received what appeared to be a ransom note. Both outlets said the material was handed over to investigators.

The sheriff’s department said it is taking all tips and communications seriously but declined further comment.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, called the situation “terrible” and said he planned to contact Savannah Guthrie.

Community search and local ties

Nancy Guthrie lived alone in the Tucson area and was reported missing Sunday after she did not attend church. A member of her congregation alerted a family member, who then searched the home and called 911, Nanos said.

Authorities said Guthrie has limited mobility and is of sound mind, reinforcing investigators’ belief that she did not leave voluntarily.

In the hours after she was reported missing, search teams deployed drones and dogs, assisted by volunteers and U.S. Border Patrol personnel. The sheriff said the department’s homicide team is also involved, a step he described as standard procedure in complex missing-person investigations.

The home sits in an upscale desert neighborhood known for its gravel drives and cactus-lined yards, where homes are spaced widely apart.

Savannah Guthrie has deep roots in Tucson. She graduated from the University of Arizona and began her journalism career at local station KVOA. Her parents moved to Tucson in the 1970s when she was a child.

Over the years, she has spoken publicly about her mother’s resilience after her father died of a heart attack when Savannah was 16.

“When my dad died, our family just hung onto each other for dear life because it was such a shock,” Guthrie said on “Today” in 2017.

Nancy Guthrie raised three children on her own and occasionally appeared on the morning program as a guest. In 2022, Savannah Guthrie paid tribute to her mother on her 80th birthday, describing her “grit” and “unshakeable faith.”

‘Today’ show coverage and family focus

For a second consecutive day, “Today” opened its broadcast with coverage of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor desk. NBC Sports said she will not be part of coverage for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as she remains with her family.

Officials continue to urge anyone with information to contact authorities as they work to establish a timeline and identify potential leads in the case.