Nancy Guthrie Update: Now We Know What Made Home ‘Crime Scene’

CATALINA FOOTHILLS, AZ (THECOUNT) — Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, is now at the center of a criminal investigation after authorities discovered blood inside her Tucson-area home, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and sheriff’s department spokesperson Kevin Adger. Investigators say evidence at the residence indicates she did not leave on her own and may have been taken against her will.

Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. Family members became concerned Sunday morning after she failed to attend church as expected. Relatives went to the home Sunday afternoon and found her missing. According to officials, her wallet, cellphone, and vehicle were all still at the house.

Law enforcement sources said blood was found inside the residence, significantly escalating concerns and prompting investigators to treat the home as a crime scene. Officials have not publicly confirmed whose blood was discovered, but Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a Monday news conference that the investigation had shifted from a missing person case to a criminal case.

“We do in fact have a crime scene; we do in fact have a crime,” Nanos said. “She did not leave on her own, we know that. She’s very limited in her mobility.”

Authorities indicated there were signs of forced entry at the home. Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department, told reporters that detectives are investigating the possibility that Nancy Guthrie was taken from the residence in the middle of the night. “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night,” Adger said. “Detectives are looking into a possible kidnapping or abduction.”

Sheriff Nanos appealed directly to anyone who may be involved to come forward. “Just call us. Let her go. Just call us. The family will tell you, there’s no questions asked here,” Nanos said during remarks to media outlets. He emphasized that the situation is urgent and asked the public for assistance in providing any information that may help investigators locate Nancy Guthrie.

Authorities have established a tip line and announced a reward of up to $2,500 for images, video, or information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Law enforcement has asked residents in the surrounding Catalina Foothills area to review security camera footage and report anything unusual observed overnight between Saturday and Sunday morning.

Nanos also noted that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication, adding urgency to the search effort. “We don’t need another bad, tragic ending. We need some help,” he said. Multiple law enforcement resources have been deployed, including search-and-rescue teams, K-9 units, aerial assets, and detectives from specialized units assisting with the investigation.

Officials said they are not aware of any specific threats related to Savannah Guthrie that would explain her mother’s disappearance. The focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and determining the circumstances that led to her being missing from her home.

On Monday, Savannah Guthrie shared a public message thanking people for their support and asking for prayers for her mother’s safe return. “Right now our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said in a statement shared on the “Today” program. She encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

In a separate message shared on social media, Savannah Guthrie described her mother as “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant,” and asked for continued prayers as the search continues.

Investigators continue to process the scene inside the home while also conducting searches in the surrounding area. Authorities have not released additional details regarding evidence collected at the residence or whether any suspects or persons of interest have been identified.

The case remains under active investigation as law enforcement agencies continue to evaluate evidence, follow leads, and seek assistance from the public. Officials reiterated that Nancy Guthrie did not leave her home voluntarily and emphasized the importance of receiving credible information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area.

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