Nancy Guthrie “abduction” case: investigators probe alleged ransom note while Savannah Guthrie asks public to share tips

Investigators in southern Arizona are examining an alleged ransom note tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, as her daughter, television anchor Savannah Guthrie, urged the public to share tips that could help locate the 84-year-old. Authorities say the home where Nancy Guthrie was last seen is being treated as a crime scene, and they have not announced any suspect or person of interest.

What investigators say happened so far

Law enforcement says Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night, Jan. 31, 2026, after family members dropped her off at her home near Tucson at about 11:30 p.m. ET. She was reported missing the next day after she did not show up for church; relatives contacted authorities around 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Officials have described the case as an apparent abduction rather than a voluntary disappearance, saying evidence at the residence raised concerns about foul play. Investigators have also indicated that Nancy Guthrie is considered mentally sharp, which has shaped the public messaging around the case.

Nancy Guthrie “abduction” case: the alleged ransom note

Investigators are now evaluating alleged ransom communications that surfaced in recent days. Authorities have said they are aware of reports about possible ransom note(s) and are treating them as potential evidence, assessing authenticity and any investigative value.

Key points that have emerged publicly:

• Law enforcement has acknowledged the existence of alleged ransom messages circulating outside official channels.

• Federal partners have reviewed at least one alleged note, and investigators are working to determine whether any message is legitimate or a hoax.

• The sheriff has emphasized that any lead—no matter the source—will be examined for forensic and investigative clues.

Officials have not confirmed any payment demand details publicly and have warned against amplifying rumors that could compromise the investigation.

Savannah Guthrie’s public plea for tips and proof of life

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional public message asking for help, urging anyone with information to come forward and emphasizing the family’s need for proof of life before engaging with any demands. The family has highlighted urgent health concerns, noting that Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication for a fragile heart condition and has limited mobility.

Authorities have encouraged tips to be submitted directly to investigators—through emergency reporting when appropriate and through official tip channels—rather than shared widely online. The goal, officials say, is to get actionable information to detectives quickly while minimizing false leads and misinformation.

Evidence focus: digital trail, cameras, and a tight timeline

Investigators are leaning heavily on electronic evidence to narrow down what happened overnight. Officials have discussed efforts to recover or obtain video from residential security systems, including attempts to retrieve footage that may have been deleted automatically.

Authorities have also pointed to missing or incomplete camera coverage as a complicating factor. At the same time, they have indicated that investigators are reviewing devices and other data sources that could help establish a more precise timeline and identify any unusual contacts or movements around the home.

What’s next and what the public can do now

With no suspect named, investigators appear to be in a phase of validating the alleged ransom note, tightening the timeline, and expanding tip intake. Additional federal support has been sent to bolster capabilities that often matter in fast-moving abduction cases—such as specialized negotiations expertise and digital forensics.

Key takeaways

• Authorities say Nancy Guthrie likely did not leave voluntarily; her home is being treated as a crime scene.

• Investigators are probing alleged ransom communications while urging the public not to spread unverified claims.

• Tips should go straight to official channels or emergency services if immediate danger is involved.

As of Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, officials had not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed a specific motive. The investigation remains active, and detectives continue to ask the public to share credible tips that could help bring Nancy Guthrie home.

Sources consulted: CBS News; ABC News; Associated Press; Fox 10 Phoenix