Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother Turns Criminal

Authorities in Arizona are asking for the public’s help in locating Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, after investigators determined her disappearance may involve criminal activity.

Guthrie was reported missing from her home outside Tucson around noon on Sunday, Feb. 1. During a press briefing on Feb. 2, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said initial search efforts have now transitioned into a criminal investigation.

“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” Nanos said. “We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime, and we're asking the community's help.”

Search Shifts to Criminal Investigation

Search and rescue teams were initially deployed after the Pima County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting Guthrie missing. Helicopters equipped with infrared cameras, drones, and assistance from Customs and Border Protection were used in the early stages of the search, according to NBC national law enforcement correspondent Tom Winter.

During Tuesday’s briefing, Sheriff Nanos said those efforts have now ended.

“We no longer see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” he said.

The FBI has also been made aware of the case, authorities confirmed.

Health Concerns Heighten Urgency

Officials said Guthrie’s health conditions raise serious concerns about her safety. According to Nanos, she has “some physical challenges” and requires daily medication.

“That medication, if she doesn’t have it in 24 hours, it could be fatal,” he said.

Nanos emphasized that Guthrie’s limited mobility makes it unlikely she left the home voluntarily.

“She is very limited in her mobility,” he said. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there.”

Authorities Say She Did Not Leave Voluntarily

While investigators declined to provide specific details about what was found at the home, Nanos said there were multiple indications that Guthrie did not leave on her own. He also stressed that the family has been cooperative throughout the investigation.

“Our hearts go out to them, this is their mom,” he said.

Nanos further clarified that Guthrie does not suffer from dementia and was mentally sound at the time of her disappearance.

“The family wants everybody to know she is of great, sound mind,” he said. “This is not dementia related.”

Authorities said no other caregivers or family members are missing.

Savannah Guthrie Issues Statement

Savannah Guthrie was absent from Monday’s Today broadcast following the news. In a statement issued to USA TODAY, she thanked the public for their support while urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” Guthrie said. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.”

The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact authorities directly at (520) 351-4900.

Community Assistance Requested

Investigators continue to ask residents in the Tucson area to remain alert and report anything unusual. With search operations now halted and the case treated as a potential crime, officials say tips from the public could prove critical in determining what happened.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified suspects as of Tuesday afternoon.

If you have any information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.