Update on Savannah Guthrie’s mom as investigators focus on possible abduction

Authorities in southern Arizona say the search remains active for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, after investigators determined she likely did not leave her home on her own. The case has shifted from an initial search effort toward an investigation centered on what detectives describe as suspicious circumstances at the residence, with urgency heightened by concerns that she needs daily medication.

Officials have released only limited details publicly, saying they are working leads while continuing to ask for tips from the public.

What’s known about the timeline so far

Nancy Guthrie was last known to be at her home late Saturday night, Jan. 31, with a last-seen time that places events around roughly 11:30 p.m. ET. Concern escalated the next day when she did not appear for a regular church service, prompting family members to check on her and contact authorities around early afternoon Sunday, Feb. 1 (about 2:00 p.m. ET).

By Monday and Tuesday, investigators publicly indicated that evidence at the home suggested she may have been taken against her will during the night. Law enforcement teams conducted extensive early searches, then narrowed their focus as forensic processing and follow-up investigative steps took priority.

Why investigators suspect a crime

Officials have emphasized several points that pushed the inquiry toward a suspected abduction:

• Investigators say she is mentally sharp, making a scenario in which she wandered away less likely.

• Her personal items—including her phone, wallet, and vehicle—were found at the home after she was reported missing.

• Detectives have cited signs consistent with forced entry and other suspicious indicators at the scene.

• Separate updates from law enforcement sources have indicated a small amount of blood was found inside the residence, though it has not been publicly clarified whose it was.

Authorities have also noted an empty frame near the front door associated with a security camera setup, and they are looking into whether equipment or recordings were removed or disabled.

Medical urgency driving the response

A key factor shaping the public appeals is Nancy Guthrie’s need for daily medication. Officials have said that going without it for more than about 24 hours could become life-threatening. That medical risk has been repeatedly cited as the reason investigators want information immediately, even if a tip feels minor or uncertain.

While the investigation continues, officials have refrained from offering a motive. They have also not confirmed whether any ransom demand has been received, and they have avoided discussing sensitive evidence that could compromise leads.

How the investigation is unfolding

Law enforcement has described an intensive evidence-gathering phase that includes:

• Forensic processing of the home for physical evidence such as fingerprints and DNA

• Review of neighborhood surveillance and other video sources, where available

• Analysis of potential digital evidence tied to devices recovered at the residence

• Coordination among multiple agencies to widen investigative capacity

As of Tuesday afternoon, investigators said they still did not know where she was, underscoring both the uncertainty and the urgency of the case. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information, images, or video that leads to an arrest connected to her disappearance.

Key takeaways right now

• Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie likely did not leave her home voluntarily.

• The case has moved quickly into a crime-focused investigation, with forensic work central to next steps.

• Medical needs are a major concern, raising the stakes for timely tips and rapid resolution.

What to watch next

In the near term, the most consequential developments are likely to come from any usable video, forensic results, and credible public tips that help establish a suspect path of travel or identify a person of interest. Investigators have signaled they will keep some details closely held, which could mean fewer public updates until a lead solidifies.

Separately, the public posture of the case—high profile, time-sensitive, and heavily tip-driven—can increase the flow of information, but it can also generate noise. Officials have encouraged anyone with direct, specific observations from the neighborhood or relevant time window to come forward.

Sources consulted: Associated Press, ABC News, Los Angeles Times, CBS News