Savannah Guthrie’s mother reported missing in Arizona as case becomes criminal probe
Authorities in southern Arizona have shifted the search for Nancy Guthrie into a criminal investigation after what they described as suspicious circumstances at her home outside Tucson. Nancy Guthrie, 84, is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a prominent morning-show anchor.
Investigators said the home is being treated as a crime scene and that evidence suggests she did not leave voluntarily. The case has drawn national attention as family members and law enforcement ask anyone with information to come forward.
Savannah Guthrie mom missing case shifts
Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators now consider the disappearance a potential crime, not a routine missing-person search. Deputies initially deployed major resources — including air support, dogs, and volunteers — but the focus has moved toward processing the residence, analyzing evidence, and tracking any leads tied to how Nancy Guthrie vanished.
Officials stressed that she is mentally sharp but physically limited, heightening concern about her safety and limiting the likelihood that she left on her own.
What’s known so far
| Key point | Detail (ET) |
|---|---|
| Last confirmed sighting | Around 11:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 31 (about 9:30 p.m. local time) |
| Area | Catalina Foothills region near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue |
| Missing report | Family contacted authorities Sunday afternoon |
| Investigation status | Home treated as a crime scene; criminal investigation underway |
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a suspect, motive, or specific evidence, and no additional details about what was found at the home have been released.
Why investigators say the risk is high
Officials described Nancy Guthrie as vulnerable due to limited mobility and the need for daily medication. That health factor has been repeatedly emphasized because it can quickly raise the stakes in cold overnight conditions.
The disappearance came to attention after she missed a scheduled morning commitment, prompting a welfare check by family members. In public comments, law enforcement has also pushed back on the idea that dementia or wandering explains the situation, portraying her as cognitively intact and reliable in her routines.
Who is Savannah Guthrie?
Savannah Guthrie is a longtime television journalist and former attorney who has anchored and reported on major U.S. political and legal stories. She grew up in the Tucson area and later studied at University of Arizona before earning a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She has two children and has spoken publicly over the years about staying close to family.
In the hours after the disappearance became public, she traveled to Arizona and issued a brief message of thanks for support, while urging continued attention on the search for her mother.
What happens next in the investigation
Law enforcement is expected to keep details tight while investigators work the scene and chase leads. In cases like this, early priorities typically include identifying the last known contacts, preserving surveillance footage from nearby routes, reconstructing phone and vehicle movements, and interviewing neighbors and recent visitors.
Officials have asked the public to contact Pima County Sheriff's Department with any relevant information, including anything unusual seen near the home late Saturday night or early Sunday.
Sources consulted: Associated Press; Reuters; NBC News; People
