New Details Emerge in Savannah Guthrie’s Mother’s Disappearance

Investigators initially shared a few details about the scene inside Nancy Guthrie's home. Subsequent disclosures helped explain how authorities were approaching the case.

As the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues, authorities acknowledged that what investigators found at her home had altered how the disappearance was being handled.

The focus was no longer limited to locating her, but to understanding what the scene itself revealed.

Officials said those findings raised questions beyond a routine missing person case and began shaping the next phase of the investigation.

Inside the Home, Key Details Emerge

Nancy, 84, was last seen Saturday night, January 31, 2026, at her Tucson residence. According to the Los Angeles Times, when investigators later examined the home, law enforcement sources said they found blood inside the house.

Authorities have not determined whose blood was found, and officials have not said whether Nancy was injured.

As detectives continued processing the scene, another detail deepened concern. The sources, who were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, said there were signs of forced entry, suggesting someone may have entered the home before Nancy disappeared.

Despite that, investigators found no evidence that anything had been taken. All of Nancy's personal belongings — including her wallet, cellphone, and car — were still at the house, even with the signs of forced entry.

That contradiction is now at the center of how investigators are approaching the case.

The Search Intensifies

Sheriff Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) said investigators believe Nancy did not leave on her own. He also noted that she has limited mobility, making an unassisted departure unlikely.

At a news conference on Monday, February 2, the sheriff called on the public for help, asking for reports of anything out of the ordinary or any possible sightings of Nancy.

A tip line has been established, and PCSD is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for images, videos, or information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her disappearance. "We don't need another bad, tragic ending," the sheriff said, "we need some help."

Adding to the urgency, Nanos also warned that Nancy's life is in immediate danger if she does not take a certain medication she requires every day.

He said investigators are not aware of any specific threats tied to Savannah in connection with her mother's disappearance. "We're doing all we can to try to locate her," the sheriff added. "Every tool we have, we will use."

Nanos also appealed directly to anyone who may be holding her, urging them to "just call us" and allow Nancy to be released, saying the family wants her returned with "no questions asked."

Meanwhile, Savannah addressed the situation publicly on Instagram, where she asked the people to pray for her mother's safe return home:

"thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment."

The remarks came as authorities outlined how their assessment of the case had changed.

As previously reported, during a press conference, the PCSD said investigators processed the scene inside Nancy's home, leading them to believe a crime had occurred.

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," Nanos stated.

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

Why Investigators Believe the Circumstances Are Suspicious

Authorities emphasized that Nancy 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."

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 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 PCSD 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, 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 an earlier public statement, and the reflections Savannah shared in 2023 drew renewed attention.

Family Response

Savannah, 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."

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.'"