TUCSON, Ariz. (THECOUNT) — The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, TMZ, Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, Harvey Levin, and Charles Latibeaudiere are involved in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “TODAY” show host Savannah Guthrie, with TMZ receiving an alleged ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for her release.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on Saturday, January 31, 2026, around 9:30 p.m. A family member contacted authorities around noon on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after she failed to appear at a scheduled church service. The department initiated a search and classified the disappearance as suspicious due to concerning circumstances discovered at the residence.
|
Advertisement |
Investigators from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have designated Nancy Guthrie’s home as a crime scene. Evidence collected includes DNA samples for processing, signs of forced entry, blood found inside the property, and data indicating her pacemaker stopped syncing around the time of her disappearance. The department stated that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication, the absence of which could prove fatal if not administered promptly.
Sheriff Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department held a briefing on February 2, 2026, confirming that the case is being treated as a criminal matter involving a possible abduction. Homicide detectives have been assigned to assist in the investigation. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, possibly during the early morning hours of February 1, 2026, while she was sleeping. No suspects have been publicly identified, and the motive remains under review, with investigators not ruling out various possibilities but stating it does not appear linked to robbery or home invasion.
On February 3, 2026, TMZ reported receiving an alleged ransom note via email demanding a substantial amount in Bitcoin, specified in the millions, to be transferred to a designated Bitcoin address. TMZ verified the Bitcoin address as active and functional. The note included a deadline for payment and implied consequences if the demands were not met. It referenced specific details about Nancy Guthrie’s attire at the time of her disappearance, stating she was not wearing a particular item, though TMZ hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere noted during a live stream that initial reports suggested she was wearing it.
The alleged ransom note also described an item at Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson-area home that the sender claimed was damaged during the incident. TMZ forwarded the note and associated details to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for further examination. As of February 3, 2026, authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the note or commented on its contents publicly.
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show, issued a statement on February 2, 2026, requesting prayers and expressing hope for her mother’s safe return. Her husband, Michael Feldman, also addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing the family’s cooperation with law enforcement. “TODAY” co-host Jenna Bush Hager mentioned on air that Nancy Guthrie requires prescription medications daily, highlighting the urgency of the search.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal resources, have joined the effort to locate Nancy Guthrie. Searches have been conducted in the surrounding areas of Tucson, but no leads have resulted in her recovery as of the latest updates. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has provided contact information for tips, including a direct line at (520) 351-4900 and an anonymous tip line through 88-CRIME.
National media outlets, including NBC News, ABC News, E! News, Parade, Hindustan Times, and YouTube channels, have covered the developments, focusing on the abduction classification, evidence at the scene, and the family’s public statements. The White House issued a brief statement on February 3, 2026, expressing concern and support for the Guthrie family during the investigation.
From a national perspective, this case exemplifies the coordinated response required in potential abduction scenarios involving elderly individuals with medical needs. Protocols include rapid evidence collection, multi-agency involvement, and public appeals for information to aid in resolution. Similar incidents across the United States often rely on community tips and forensic analysis to progress investigations.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to manage the case, with updates expected as new information becomes available. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
DEVELOPING::