Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Disappearance: Authorities Issue an Update

What investigators discovered inside Nancy Guthrie's home prompted a major shift in how the case is being handled. Authorities now say the disappearance is being treated very differently.

In a new update shared during a press conference, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said investigators proceeded to the scene inside Nancy Guthrie's home. What they processed there is why they now believe a crime occurred.

The case initially unfolded as a standard missing person investigation, prompting the deployment of search and rescue teams, volunteers, and Border Patrol canines.

That assessment changed after investigators processed the home. "As I said yesterday, we saw some things at the home that were concerning to us. We [...] do in fact have a crime scene. [..] We do in fact have a crime," Sheriff Chris Nanos stated.

The shift also heightened concern because of Nancy's medical needs.

Why Investigators Believe the Circumstances Are Suspicious

Authorities emphasized that Nancy, 84, has physical ailments and requires daily medication. During the press conference, officials warned that she suffers from a condition that missing that medication for 24 hours "could be fatal."

Time, the sheriff department says, is critical as they continue the investigation and ask the public for help. Nanos urged anyone who may have seen something to report it immediately, including taking photos or video if they believe they spot her, and to call 911 or submit an anonymous tip through 88 Crime.

Besides leaving without her medication, officials say other circumstances inside the home led them to believe Nancy did not leave on her own. Sergeant David Styver, speaking for the homicide team, said, "At this time, it's still a very active investigation, and there were circumstances on scene that we believe are suspicious in nature."

Sheriff Nanos said he could not disclose what those circumstances were, explaining that releasing details would compromise the investigation.

No Dementia, No Confusion, and Why That Matters

Investigators made a point of addressing speculation about Nancy's mental health.

Styver told reporters, "I want to stress to you — and it is really important — Miss Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, is of great sound mind. This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off."

Authorities said her limitations are physical, not cognitive, which is a key factor in how they are treating the case.

The Timeline Authorities Are Working From

According to authorities, Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, when her children dropped her off and left her there.

The following morning, family members became concerned after receiving a call from someone at her church saying she was not there. That call prompted them to go to her home to check on her.

Once at the house, the family searched for her themselves before contacting law enforcement. Investigators estimate they arrived around 11 a.m. and, after realizing she was missing, called 911.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department received the call around noon and launched an immediate response.

How the Investigation Has Shifted

During the initial phase of the case, authorities treated it as a broad search operation, deploying aircraft, drones, and ground teams. That phase has since been paused as detectives concentrate on evidence, technology, and leads connected to the crime scene.

Investigators are reviewing license plate readers, community camera systems, and data from the home. He urged neighbors to review doorbell and security footage, even if it seems unrelated.

Authorities also confirmed they have Nancy's cell phone and are evaluating its data. When asked whether the public is in danger, Sheriff Nanos said there is no indication of an active threat, while noting the neighborhood will continue to be canvassed.

If you missed our report from the day before, the background piece below provides additional context on how the investigation unfolded and how the family has responded.

As authorities continued their work, the Guthrie family shared a public statement, and earlier reflections from her daughter in 2023 have drawn renewed attention.

Family Response

Savannah Guthrie, who is reportedly in Arizona, shared a statement on "Today" on behalf of her family, thanking the public for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. She added:

"Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at (520) 351-4900."

Family members told police they became concerned after receiving a call from someone at their local church saying Guthrie was not there. They went to her home to look for her before contacting authorities.

Years earlier, the former attorney shared a personal reflection about her relationship with her mother.

Savannah Guthrie on Her Mother

The broadcast journalist has previously spoken about her mother's selflessness and encouragement. During an April 2022 interview on "Today," she reflected on how her mother supported her career ambitions.

She also recalled a moment when her mother urged her to pursue her goals, even if it meant being apart: "And that's when she said, 'If you can't leave me, then I didn't do my job right, Savannah.' She just gave me permission to go, you know?"

She said the message was not about pushing her away: "It's not because she didn't want me to stay. Of course she wanted me to stay. But she's like, 'I'm not going to stand in the way of your dreams. I'm going to tell you, go go go go go.'"