TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities in Arizona say they believe a crime was committed in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was last seen at her home north of Tucson over the weekend.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Nancy Guthrie was dropped off by family members at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. She was reported missing Sunday afternoon after a relative became concerned when she did not attend church.
Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators now believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will. “We do, in fact, have a crime scene, and we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos told reporters Monday. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office confirmed that investigators are treating the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction. Evidence collected from the home suggests Guthrie may have been harmed during the incident, though officials have not disclosed details about the extent of any injuries.
“This is very concerning to us,” Nanos said during a press conference. “We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but what we’re learning from the house raised serious concerns.”
Authorities initially launched a search-and-rescue operation but have since shifted focus, saying the situation is no longer being treated as a missing-person search. “We don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” Nanos explained, adding that the sheriff’s homicide team is now involved.
Nanos noted that Guthrie has physical health conditions that limit her mobility, making it unlikely she could have left the home on her own. He also said she requires daily medication and that failing to take it within a 24-hour period could be life-threatening. Despite her physical limitations, authorities described her as being of sound mind.
“She could not walk out of that home 50 yards,” Nanos told NBC News.
Investigators have also confirmed that no ransom demands have been made in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance. The sheriff said his department is devoting extensive resources to the case and continues to follow all available leads.
In a statement released to NBC’s Today, Savannah Guthrie thanked law enforcement and the public for their support. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” she said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 as the investigation continues.