Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Savannah Guthrie pleads for proof of life as FBI joins Arizona search

Savannah Guthrie released a video plea Wednesday evening, begging for proof of life as the search intensified for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Arizona woman investigators believe was taken against her will. The public appeal came as federal agents joined local authorities in a widening effort centered around the Tucson area, where detectives say signs at Nancy’s home point to possible foul play.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing Sunday after family members could not reach her. Investigators have kept many details private, but officials have described a scene serious enough to treat the case as a criminal investigation rather than a routine missing-person report.

The video plea and proof of life request

In the family video, Savannah Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings and addressed both their mother and whoever may be holding her. The central request was simple and urgent: confirmation that Nancy is alive. The family emphasized Nancy’s age and medical needs, urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact investigators.

The tone of the message was direct and focused on getting a response that can be verified. The family also thanked supporters for prayer and outreach, while keeping their public remarks tightly centered on Nancy’s safe return.

What’s known about Nancy’s last movements

Authorities say Nancy was last known to be at or near her home late Saturday, January 31. By Sunday, February 1, she was reported missing, triggering a rapid escalation in the search. Investigators have indicated they are working within a narrow time window between the last confirmed sighting and when the disappearance was discovered.

Detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, and tracking potential movement patterns in the surrounding area. Officials have urged the public to check any home security footage from the weekend timeframe that might capture unusual activity.

Evidence at the home raises alarms

Investigators have described troubling indicators at Nancy’s residence, including signs consistent with a possible forced entry. Officials have also referenced physical evidence that suggested Nancy did not simply leave voluntarily. Some items from the home were described as missing or disturbed, and investigators have sought to determine whether anything was removed that could clarify what happened.

Law enforcement has cautioned the public against spreading unverified claims, noting that false details can waste time and complicate the search. The case has attracted intense attention, and officials have stressed that the most helpful action is to provide actionable tips directly to investigators.

Alleged ransom note: what’s confirmed and what isn’t

In her video, Savannah Guthrie addressed talk surrounding an alleged ransom note. Authorities have acknowledged they are reviewing potential communications connected to the case, but they have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of any note or validated the details circulating outside official channels.

At this stage, investigators appear to be treating any purported demands or messages as evidence to be assessed—without publicly endorsing them as genuine. The family’s public stance has remained consistent: the priority is proof of life and a path to bring Nancy home safely.

Why FBI involvement changes the picture

Federal assistance can expand both investigative capacity and technical resources. In cases like this, it often supports tasks such as analyzing communications, accelerating forensic work, coordinating multi-agency tip handling, and broadening field resources when time is critical. Local authorities remain the lead, but the added support can help process information faster as tips surge.

Officials have also reiterated that a dedicated tip line is available, and they continue to ask the public to report sightings, suspicious vehicles, or any unusual weekend activity in the area. A reward has been publicly offered by a community group to encourage information that leads to Nancy’s safe recovery.

Medical urgency and the days ahead

Nancy Guthrie’s health has been a major driver of urgency. Officials and the family have said she relies on regular medication and has mobility limitations. Investigators have emphasized that time matters, and they have expressed cautious optimism that she can still be found alive if actionable leads come in quickly.

In the near term, attention is expected to remain on three areas: verifying the timeline from Saturday night into Sunday morning, extracting usable information from surveillance and forensic evidence, and evaluating any communications that may be linked to the disappearance. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect, and they have not described a confirmed motive.

For the public, the guidance remains straightforward: review any cameras from January 31 and February 1, report anything that stands out, and avoid amplifying rumors that cannot be substantiated. Investigators say even small details—an unfamiliar car, a brief interaction, a doorbell alert—can be the piece that helps narrow the search.

Sources consulted: Associated Press, CBS News, ABC News, People