Arizona sheriff says disabled doorbell camera hampers search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother

TUCSON, Ariz. (JN) – The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, entered a sixth day on Friday as investigators acknowledged a significant technical setback at the scene of her disappearance. Authorities say a doorbell camera at her home outside Tucson recorded signs of movement shortly after it was disconnected, but no images were saved because the device did not have an active cloud subscription.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described the development as frustrating, saying it raised expectations that could not be fulfilled. The case, which authorities believe involves an abduction, has drawn national attention and prompted federal assistance as concerns grow about Nancy Guthrie’s health.

Doorbell camera data but no video

Speaking to The Associated Press, Nanos said investigators confirmed the home’s doorbell camera was unplugged early Sunday. Software data later showed motion was detected minutes afterward, but no footage was recoverable because the system was not recording to the cloud.

“It is concerning, it’s actually almost disappointing because you’ve got your hopes up,” Nanos said. “You think you have an image, but you don’t.”

Investigators have not ruled out any suspects and have not publicly identified any persons of interest. Nanos said detectives are continuing to explore whether any usable data can still be retrieved from the device through technical analysis.

Authorities have said blood found on the front porch of the home matched Nancy Guthrie’s DNA, reinforcing their assessment that she was taken against her will.

Investigators restrict access to neighborhood

On Friday, sheriff’s deputies returned to Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood in the Catalina Foothills area, restricting access to the road in front of the home to allow investigators to work. Media outlets stationed there were asked to relocate.

A neighborhood association sent a letter to residents saying searches in the area were resuming immediately and thanking homeowners for sharing security footage and allowing access to their properties.

Nanos emphasized that while technology can assist investigations, it does not always provide the immediate clarity people expect.

“I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here’s a picture, here’s your bad guy. But it’s not,” he said, noting that data from technology providers can be limited.

FBI reviewing new message sent to TV station

The sheriff said the FBI is handling communications believed to be tied to the case after several media outlets received messages earlier in the week described as ransom notes.

Tucson television station KOLD reported Friday that it received a new email message connected to the case but did not disclose its contents. The FBI confirmed it was reviewing the authenticity of the message.

Heith Janke, the FBI special agent in charge in Phoenix, previously said at least one message demanded money and set deadlines that had already passed. One note reportedly referenced specific details from Nancy Guthrie’s home, including a floodlight and an Apple Watch.

Authorities have not confirmed whether all the messages are genuine or related to the same source.

Health concerns intensify

Officials say Nancy Guthrie’s health conditions make the situation more urgent. According to law enforcement audio shared publicly, she has a pacemaker and suffers from high blood pressure and heart issues, requiring daily medication.

“Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,” Nanos said. “She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they’re getting that medication to her.”

The sheriff acknowledged that investigators are withholding certain details to preserve the integrity of the case.

“That’s not how we do police investigations. There has to be some control of your case,” he said.

Family appeals for contact

Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings released a video message earlier in the week appealing directly to whoever may be holding their mother, asking for proof that she is alive and expressing willingness to communicate.

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly,” her brother Camron Guthrie said in a follow-up message posted Thursday.

The case has drawn national attention. President Donald Trump said federal authorities were assisting in the investigation, describing the inquiry as progressing. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal support for Arizona officials but did not provide further details.

Ongoing search with few public answers

As the investigation continues, authorities are relying on neighborhood canvassing, forensic evidence, and technical analysis of devices from the home and surrounding properties. No timeline has been publicly established for when new information may be released.

For now, the lack of video evidence from the doorbell camera remains one of the more tangible missed opportunities in a case where investigators say every fragment of data matters.