Arizona Sheriff Labels Home of Missing 'TODAY' Anchor's Mother a Crime Scene

Suspicious Findings Prompt Homicide Probe (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Tucson, Arizona – Pima County authorities shifted their focus from search efforts to a criminal investigation after discovering troubling evidence at the residence of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC ‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.[1][2]

Suspicious Findings Prompt Homicide Probe

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described the scene at Nancy Guthrie’s home as deeply concerning during a Monday press conference. Homicide detectives processed the property near Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue in the Catalina Foothills, an unusual step for a standard missing person case.[2]

“We do in fact have a crime scene,” Nanos stated bluntly. Investigators noted signs that the elderly woman did not leave voluntarily. The sheriff emphasized that the circumstances stood out immediately upon arrival.[1] He refrained from disclosing specifics to protect the ongoing probe but confirmed foul play remained a strong possibility. Time proved critical, as Guthrie required daily medications for her physical conditions.[3]

Timeline of the Disappearance

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31. She lived alone and maintained a routine that included attending church services. A friend from the congregation grew worried Sunday morning when Guthrie failed to appear and contacted her family.[2]

The family reported her missing to authorities around noon that day. Deputies arrived promptly and uncovered elements at the residence that raised alarms. By Monday, search operations paused as the case transitioned fully into a criminal matter.[4]

1. Last sighted: 9:30-9:45 p.m., Jan. 31, 2026.
2. Reported missing: Noon, Feb. 1.
3. Initial response: Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
4. Press conference: Feb. 2 morning.
5. Current status: Active crime scene investigation.

Portrait of a Vulnerable Senior

Authorities described the 5-foot-5, 150-pound woman with brown hair and blue eyes as sharp mentally but limited physically. “She is as sharp as a tack,” Nanos said, ruling out cognitive decline like dementia. Guthrie could not walk more than 50 yards unassisted and faced health risks without her prescriptions.[2]

Her family confirmed no history of wandering. The sheriff stressed her vulnerability, noting the 24-hour mark without medication heightened dangers. No connections surfaced to threats against her daughter Savannah, a Tucson native and University of Arizona graduate.[1]

Exhaustive Search Gives Way to Appeals

Teams deployed drones, helicopters, airplanes, and search-and-rescue dogs borrowed from Border Patrol over the weekend. Volunteers joined ground efforts around the upscale neighborhood. Operations halted Monday to allow rest and redirect resources toward forensics.[3]

Nanos urged the public to review surveillance footage. “I need this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” he pleaded. Investigators examined Guthrie’s cellphone and nearby license plate readers for clues. The FBI monitored the case, though no formal role emerged publicly.[2]

Family’s Heartfelt Response

Savannah Guthrie skipped Monday’s ‘TODAY’ broadcast, where co-host Craig Melvin read her statement aloud. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” she wrote. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”[3]

The message continued: “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.” Guthrie has often praised her mother’s resilience publicly, highlighting their close bond forged in Tucson.[1]

As the investigation intensifies, the Guthrie family clings to hope for a safe resolution amid mounting evidence of peril. Law enforcement remains committed to answers. What details stand out to you in this developing story? Share in the comments below.