Nancy Guthrie update: Search intensifies as family pleads for her safe return

Investigators in southern Arizona are pressing forward this weekend in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, after authorities said her disappearance from her Tucson-area home appears to be a kidnapping. The case has drawn national attention because her daughter, television journalist Savannah Guthrie, and other family members have made a public plea for her return, emphasizing they want direct contact and are willing to do what it takes to bring her home.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Friday night, January 31, 2026, after relatives dropped her off at her residence. She was reported missing the next day when she did not appear for church and family members could not reach her.

Nancy Guthrie update: What investigators are saying now

Authorities have described the situation as a kidnapping investigation and have been reviewing communications that appear connected to the case, including messages that reference deadlines. Some details around those communications have not been publicly confirmed, including the identity of the sender and the meaning of certain demands.

Federal agents and local investigators have remained active around the home and surrounding area in recent days, collecting evidence and pursuing leads. As of Sunday, February 8, 2026, no suspect has been publicly identified, and no arrest has been announced in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

The family’s public plea and offer

In an emotional statement released online, members of the Guthrie family asked whoever is holding Nancy Guthrie to make contact and provide proof she is alive. They framed the message as a direct appeal focused on safe return rather than punishment, saying their priority is getting her back.

The family’s decision to speak publicly reflects a growing urgency as the search stretches into its second week. Public appeals can sometimes help generate tips, but they can also complicate negotiations and investigative strategy—an ongoing tension that law enforcement and families often navigate case by case.

Timeline and key known details

The basic sequence of events has remained consistent across official updates:

• Friday, January 31, 2026: Nancy Guthrie was last seen after being dropped off at home following dinner.

• Saturday, February 1, 2026: She was reported missing after she did not arrive for church and could not be reached.

• This past week: Investigators assessed messages tied to the case and continued evidence-gathering around the home.

Authorities have described Nancy Guthrie as having limited mobility and have urged anyone with information—no matter how small it may seem—to come forward.

Reward and investigative pressure points

A reward has been offered for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and/or the arrest of anyone responsible. Investigators have also cautioned the public to avoid spreading unverified claims, especially online, because false reports can divert resources and intensify stress on the family.

One element that has heightened pressure is the mention of deadlines in communications reviewed by investigators. At least one referenced deadline was described as having passed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, around 7:00 p.m. ET. Another was described as falling on Monday, February 9, 2026. The significance of those deadlines remains unclear publicly, and authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of every message circulating.

What comes next

The near-term focus is likely to remain on three tracks: verifying communications connected to the kidnapping claim, strengthening the timeline around the home and neighborhood activity, and running down tips from the public. If investigators can confirm a reliable communication channel, that can become a pivotal moment—either to establish proof-of-life, narrow the geography of those involved, or identify a pattern tied to prior incidents.

For now, the central facts remain unchanged: Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, and the family is urging direct contact and safe return while investigators continue to pursue leads and evaluate evidence.

Sources consulted: Reuters, Associated Press, PBS NewsHour, Fox 10 Phoenix