Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: Difference between revisions

By /

 

Line 113: Line 113:

Savannah Guthrie publicly addressed her mother’s disappearance in a video statement shared on social media on February 4, 2026. She appeared alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 4, 2026 |title=Savannah Guthrie breaks her silence about mom Nancy’s case – Live updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/04/savannah-guthrie-mom-latest-news-live-updates/88506185007/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In the statement, Savannah said the family was aware of reports regarding a ransom letter and addressed the individual responsible for her mother’s disappearance, stating that the family was “ready to talk.” She added that, given the ease with which voices and images can be manipulated, the family needed confirmation that Nancy was alive and being held, saying, “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”<ref>{{Cite news|last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=February 5, 2026 |title=”TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and family make tearful plea for mother’s return |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/savannah-guthrie-mother-plea-rcna257511 |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunbar |first1=Marina |last2=Braun |first2=Sara |title=Savannah Guthrie’s brother pleads for mother’s kidnapper to contact family |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/savannah-nancy-guthrie-mom-blood-home |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 6, 2026 |date=February 6, 2026}}</ref>

Savannah Guthrie publicly addressed her mother’s disappearance in a video statement shared on social media on February 4, 2026. She appeared alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 4, 2026 |title=Savannah Guthrie breaks her silence about mom Nancy’s case – Live updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/04/savannah-guthrie-mom-latest-news-live-updates/88506185007/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In the statement, Savannah said the family was aware of reports regarding a ransom letter and addressed the individual responsible for her mother’s disappearance, stating that the family was “ready to talk.” She added that, given the ease with which voices and images can be manipulated, the family needed confirmation that Nancy was alive and being held, saying, “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”<ref>{{Cite news|last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=February 5, 2026 |title=”TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and family make tearful plea for mother’s return |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/savannah-guthrie-mother-plea-rcna257511 |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunbar |first1=Marina |last2=Braun |first2=Sara |title=Savannah Guthrie’s brother pleads for mother’s kidnapper to contact family |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/savannah-nancy-guthrie-mom-blood-home |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 6, 2026 |date=February 6, 2026}}</ref>

On February 7, 2026, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video seemingly referencing a person or group that may be involved in their mother’s disappearance, with Savannah stating “we received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her, this is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”. It is possible that Nancy Guthrie is alive and being held for ransom, however, no official confirmation has been made relating to her disappearance, as investigations from the [[Pima County Sheriff’s Department]] and [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] are still underway.<ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/savannah-guthrie-new-video-to-mother-possible-kidnapper-rcna257970</ref>

On February 7, 2026, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video seemingly referencing a person or group that may be involved in their mother’s disappearance, with Savannah stating “we received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her, this is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”. It is possible that Nancy Guthrie is alive and being held for ransom, however, no official confirmation has been made relating to her disappearance, as investigations from the [[Pima County Sheriff’s Department]] and [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] are still underway.<ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/savannah-guthrie-new-video-to-mother-possible-kidnapper-rcna257970</ref>

== Notes ==

== Notes ==

2026 US missing persons case

On February 1, 2026, Nancy Guthrie, 84‑year‑old mother of NBC News journalist and Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona. Evidence found at the residence indicated foul play, prompting a criminal investigation.

The investigation, led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Customs and Border Protection, and search-and-rescue teams, has involved extensive forensic analysis, neighborhood canvassing, and review of surveillance footage. Bloodstains found at the scene were determined to be Guthrie’s.

Authorities have stated that Guthrie, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, did not leave voluntarily and is considered a vulnerable adult. Family pleas have failed to yield proof that Guthrie is alive.

Multiple alleged ransom notes demanding payment in cryptocurrency have been reported by media outlets and are under investigation, though it has not been confirmed if any were sent by persons holding Guthrie. The case has received national attention due to Guthrie being the mother of Savannah Guthrie, who suspended her broadcasting duties, including coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to participate in the search. The White House and President Donald Trump have publicly expressed support for the family and offered federal assistance.

Background

Nancy Guthrie was born on January 27, 1942, in Fort Wright, Kentucky.[1] She has lived in the Tucson area for more than five decades, having moved there with her family in the early 1970s. She was married to Charles Guthrie until his death in 1988.[2] She has three adult children: Savannah, Annie, and Camron.[3] According to family members, Guthrie is mentally sharp and independent, and she lived alone in her home in the Catalina Foothills.[4] At age 84, she has limited mobility and requires daily medication for a chronic condition. She is active in her community and is a regular churchgoer.[5][6]

Disappearance

Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills, just outside Tucson, on the evening of January 31, 2026. She was dropped off by her son‑in‑law, Tommaso Cioni, at approximately 9:50 p.m. Cioni, who is married to Guthrie’s daughter Annie, is the last known person to have seen her.[3][7][8] Guthrie did not arrive for a scheduled church service the following morning, prompting concern. A member of her church contacted the family to report that she had not appeared as expected. Relatives went to her home around 11 a.m. to check on her, searched the house and surrounding property, and found no sign of her. At around noon, the family called 911 and reported Guthrie missing to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.[9]

Deputies responding to the residence noted that Guthrie’s personal belongings, including her phone and other essential items, were still inside the home. Given her limited mobility and the absence of any indication that she had left voluntarily, investigators immediately regarded the situation as more than a routine missing‑person report.[9]

Official timeline

At a press conference on Thursday, February 5, 2026, authorities released a detailed timeline surrounding Guthrie’s disappearance.[10][11][12]

Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time Event
5:32 p.m. Guthrie takes an Uber to her daughter Annie’s home for dinner.
9:48 p.m. Guthrie is dropped off by her son-in-law and Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni.
9:50 p.m. Guthrie’s garage door is closed at 9:50 p.m. Tommaso reportedly drives off at this time.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Time Event
1:47 a.m. A doorbell camera at Guthrie’s home disconnects.
2:12 a.m. Software detects someone on one of the other cameras, but no video is available.
2:28 a.m. Guthrie’s pacemaker app is disconnected from her phone.
~11 a.m. A churchgoer calls Guthrie’s family to report that Guthrie never made it to church.
11:56 a.m. Relatives arrive at Guthrie’s home and discover that she is missing.
12:03 p.m. Guthrie’s family calls the police.
12:15 p.m. Police from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrive.

Investigation

Local, state, and federal authorities launched an extensive search following Guthrie’s disappearance. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department deployed search‑and‑rescue teams, including K‑9 units, drones, and aerial resources, with assistance from US Customs and Border Protection.[13][verification needed] Despite these efforts, no trace of Guthrie was found, and on February 2, authorities announced that the case had shifted from a search operation to a criminal investigation.[14]

Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that evidence recovered from Guthrie’s residence indicated that a crime had taken place within the house, leading investigators to treat the home as a crime scene and to involve homicide investigators. He stated it was not believed that Guthrie left the residence voluntarily.[9] Because of the suspicious nature of the case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation to provide additional resources.[9] Authorities described Guthrie as a vulnerable adult due to her age, mobility limitations, and reliance on daily medication, while noting that she had no known cognitive impairments.[15]

Evidence at crime scene

Investigators confirmed that bloodstains were found at or near the entrance of the home, and forensic testing later determined that DNA collected at the scene belonged to Guthrie.[16] Video footage captured by media outlets at the scene appeared to show a trail of blood near the front door.[17] Officials declined to comment on the extent of any injuries or the amount of blood.[18] Law enforcement also reported that personal items had been left behind and that a doorbell security camera had been removed, factors that contributed to the assessment that Guthrie was taken from her home against her will. Officials stated that the residence had been processed and that forensic analysis remained ongoing.[19]

Ransom notes

Multiple media outlets reported receiving ransom notes in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance, and efforts were underway to determine if they were sent by individuals holding Guthrie. Authorities neither confirmed nor denied the validity of the notes.[20]

On February 2, 2026, KOLD-TV, a CBS affiliate in Tucson, reported that it had received a letter demanding payment for Guthrie’s release. CBS News reported that investigators reviewed the letter, took it seriously, and shared it with the FBI, though authorities declined to confirm whether it was sent by someone holding Guthrie. The note was said to contain specific details about Guthrie’s home and what she was wearing on the night she disappeared, and investigators requested that its contents not be publicly disclosed.[21] The following day, TMZ reported that it had received an alleged ransom note demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin, including a specific cryptocurrency address and a deadline.[22][23]

On February 5, 2026, Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, claimed to have received a ransom note relating to Guthrie’s disappearance, allegedly stating “you will have no way of contacting me”.[24] That evening, Levin again claimed that he had a ransom letter indicating that Guthrie is still alive but “scared” and is “aware of the demands being made” and that “this will be their only communication”; Levin also emphasized that he and his staff are unsure of the validity of the letter. It is unclear whether these notes were written by a person involved in the disappearance of Guthrie, or if they are hoaxes.[25]

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged awareness of reports regarding ransom notes and stated that all tips and materials were being forwarded to detectives working with the FBI.[20]

On February 5, a California man was arrested on federal charges of posing as an abductor and demanding ransom from the Guthrie family. Authorities said this had no connection to other ransom demands that had received wide publicity.[26]

Continued investigation

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, digital evidence, and neighborhood camera systems, and canvassed nearby residences and surrounding areas.[13] As of the early morning of February 7, 2026, no suspects or arrests had been announced, and Guthrie’s whereabouts remained unknown. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to pursue leads and solicit information from the public.

Response

After responding to the residence, investigators stated that conditions inside the home were “very concerning” and inconsistent with a voluntary disappearance. Based on the evidence observed, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department treated the home as a crime scene and brought in homicide investigators alongside deputies conducting search efforts. Authorities said they did not believe Guthrie left the residence on her own.[27][verification needed][28]

Law enforcement later stated that search activity was paused at times to allow personnel to rest while the investigation continued. Officials reported that, based on the information available, there was no indication of a threat to the general public.[29]

Savannah Guthrie stepped away from her NBC duties, which were to include co-hosting the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to assist in the search for her mother. In a statement, she thanked law enforcement and members of the public for their support and urged anyone with information about her mother’s whereabouts to contact authorities. As of February 4, Nancy Guthrie had not been located, and the investigation remained ongoing.[4][30][31]

White House response

The White House posted information about Nancy Guthrie on its social media accounts, urging the public to report any relevant information.[32] Following an interview with NBC’s Tom Llamas, President Donald Trump called Savannah on February 4, 2026, offering additional federal resources and expressing hope for her mother’s safe recovery.[33] During the call, Savannah thanked the president and law enforcement, stating that her family was devastated and praying.[34]

Family response

Savannah Guthrie publicly addressed her mother’s disappearance in a video statement shared on social media on February 4, 2026. She appeared alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie.[35] In the statement, Savannah said the family was aware of reports regarding a ransom letter and addressed the individual responsible for her mother’s disappearance, stating that the family was “ready to talk.” She added that, given the ease with which voices and images can be manipulated, the family needed confirmation that Nancy was alive and being held, saying, “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”[36][37]

On February 7, 2026, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video seemingly referencing a person or group that may be involved in their mother’s disappearance, with Savannah stating “we received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her, this is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”. It is possible that Nancy Guthrie is alive and being held for ransom, however, no official confirmation has been made relating to her disappearance, as investigations from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI are still underway.[38]

Notes

  1. ^ Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026. She was reported missing on February 1, 2026 after not showing up to church as expected. The official timeline indicates that she was removed from her house in the middle of the night on February 1, 2026.

References

  1. ^ Hodges, Bebe. “Who is Nancy Guthrie? Savannah Guthrie’s mom is from Greater Cincinnati”. The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  2. ^ Powel, James; Morrow, Brendan; Khan, Melina; Acosta, Tiffany; Robinson, KiMi. “What we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance”. USA TODAY. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  3. ^ a b Dolak, Kevin (February 4, 2026). “Nancy Guthrie Missing: What We Know About Her Three Adult Children and the Massive Investigation”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  4. ^ a b Sarnoff, Leah; Morris, Amanda M; Deliso, Meredith; Stone, Alex. “‘Bring her home’: Savannah Guthrie addresses her mother missing in possible abduction”. ABC News. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  5. ^ Moore, Julia. “Savannah Guthrie’s Mom’s Friend from Church Reported Her Missing to Her Children”. People.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  6. ^ Todisco, Eric (February 2, 2026). “Savannah Guthrie skips ‘Today,’ speaks out after mom Nancy goes missing in Arizona”. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  7. ^ Blair, Anthony (February 4, 2026). “Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law was the last person to see mom Nancy before she vanished”. New York Post. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  8. ^ Arkin, Daniel (February 5, 2026). “Authorities provide a timeline of the night Nancy Guthrie disappeared”. NBC News. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  9. ^ a b c d Scott, Owen; Keane, Isabel (February 2, 2026). “Sheriff reveals “crime scene” after Savannah Guthrie’s “sharp as a tack” mother Nancy goes missing”. The Independent. Archived from the original on February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  10. ^ Vigliotti, Jonathan; Baldwin, Sarah Lynch (February 6, 2026). “A timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom stretches into sixth day”. CBS News. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  11. ^ Shapiro, Emily (February 6, 2026). “Nancy Guthrie abduction: New timeline emerges in mysterious disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom”. ABC News. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  12. ^ Arkin, Daniel (February 6, 2026). “Authorities provide a timeline of the night Nancy Guthrie disappeared”. NBC News. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  13. ^ a b Dakss, Brian; Sundby, Alex (February 2, 2026). “Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, missing in Arizona; “I believe she was abducted,” sheriff says”. CBS News. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  14. ^ Toohey, Grace; Harter, Clara (February 2, 2026). “‘Today’ host Savannah Guthrie’s mom possibly kidnapped in middle of night, authorities say”. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  15. ^ McRady, Rachel. “Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mom Nancy Is Without Her Daily Medication, Says Jenna Bush Hager: ‘She Needs Them for Survival’“. People.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  16. ^ Dunbar, Marina; Braun, Sara (February 5, 2026). “Arizona officials confirm blood found at Nancy Guthrie’s home was hers”. The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  17. ^ Cavallier, Andrea (February 4, 2026). “Video shows trail of blood and missing doorbell camera outside Nancy Guthrie’s house”. The Independent. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  18. ^ Entin, Brian; Menezes, Damita (February 3, 2026). “Blood trail found outside home of Savannah Guthrie’s mom”. NewsNation. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  19. ^ Santaflorentina, Hayley (February 3, 2026). “Police Find DNA Evidence Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mom”. E! Online. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  20. ^ a b Raymundo, Shawn. “Everything we know about the Nancy Guthrie ransom notes”. USA TODAY. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  21. ^ Freiman, Jordan; Vigliotti, Jonathan (February 3, 2026). “Sheriff says ransom note being investigated in disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mother – CBS News”. www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  22. ^ “Alleged Ransom Note for Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Demands Millions in Bitcoin”. TMZ. February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  23. ^ Blair, Anthony (February 4, 2026). “Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Purported ransom’s chilling details about Savannah Guthrie’s mother”. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  24. ^ Goodstone, Sydney (February 6, 2026). TMZ’s Harvey Levin reveals new details in Nancy Guthrie ransom: Note says ‘you will have no way of contacting me’ | CNN. Retrieved February 6, 2026 – via www.cnn.com.
  25. ^ Leeman, Zachary (February 6, 2026). “Harvey Levin Shares Nancy Guthrie Kidnapper Letter Details”. Mediaite. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  26. ^ Valencia, Peter (February 5, 2026). “California man accused of being ransom note ‘imposter’ in Nancy Guthrie case”. AZfamily.com. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  27. ^ Stump, Scott (February 2, 2026). “Savannah’s Mom Nancy Remains Missing, Officials Investigating “New Message”“. TODAY.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  28. ^ Maglio, Tony (February 5, 2026). “Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie Case Rips Ashleigh Banfield’s “Reckless” Reporting”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  29. ^ Luscombe, Richard (February 2, 2026). “Arizona home of Today show host’s missing mother treated as ‘crime scene’“. The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  30. ^ McRady, Rachel. “Savannah Guthrie Skips ‘Today’ Show, Speaks Out amid Mom Nancy’s Disappearance: ‘Our Focus Remains on the Safe Return of Our Dear Mom’“. People.com. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  31. ^ Powell, Akim. “Savannah Guthrie pulls out of Winter Olympics coverage after her mom disappeared, reports say”. KPTV.com. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  32. ^ Mastrangelo, Dominick (February 3, 2026). “White House sends support for Nancy Guthrie as search continues”. The Hill.
  33. ^ Arkin, Daniel (February 4, 2026). “Trump spoke to Savannah Guthrie as search for her mother continues”. NBC News. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  34. ^ Collins, Terry. “Trump calls Savannah Guthrie as search for her missing mother goes on”. USA TODAY. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  35. ^ “Savannah Guthrie breaks her silence about mom Nancy’s case – Live updates”. USA TODAY. February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  36. ^ Arkin, Daniel (February 5, 2026). “‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and family make tearful plea for mother’s return”. NBC News. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  37. ^ Dunbar, Marina; Braun, Sara (February 6, 2026). “Savannah Guthrie’s brother pleads for mother’s kidnapper to contact family”. The Guardian. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  38. ^ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/savannah-guthrie-new-video-to-mother-possible-kidnapper-rcna257970

Must Read

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version