Nancy Guthrie update: Investigation intensifies as family seeks answers in Tucson

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie, widened Monday as investigators increased security around her Tucson home and continued examining evidence tied to her disappearance. The case has drawn national attention because authorities are treating it as a potential abduction while also cautioning that key details—including any proof of life—remain unclear.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after she did not appear at church. Investigators say she was last seen the night of Saturday, January 31, after dinner with family members. Since then, authorities have worked multiple angles: physical searches, evidence collection from nearby locations, and analysis of communications described as ransom demands.

What investigators say happened so far

Authorities have described a timeline that begins with Nancy Guthrie returning to or being at her residence late January 31. By February 1, concern escalated when she could not be reached and did not attend her regular church service. Investigators have publicly noted suspicious circumstances at or near her home, including signs of disturbance and physical evidence that prompted forensic work.

In the days that followed, law enforcement expanded its presence in the neighborhood and pursued leads connected to possible communications from someone claiming involvement. Officials have not publicly identified any suspect, nor have they confirmed a vehicle description tied to the event.

Security steps and new searches near the home

On Monday, February 9, authorities confirmed a continuing law-enforcement presence at Nancy Guthrie’s home for security, after her family requested added protection. The aim is to preserve the scene and prevent unauthorized access as investigators continue working in and around the property.

Search activity has also extended to nearby areas and infrastructure points. Investigators have examined locations around the residence where evidence could be concealed or where an abductor might have moved unseen. Officials have not disclosed what—if anything—those searches have yielded, emphasizing the investigation remains active and sensitive.

Ransom communications and the February 9 deadline

Central to public attention are messages described by investigators as ransom-related communications. Law enforcement has said they are assessing authenticity and tracing origins while treating the situation with high caution due to the potential risk to the missing woman.

One deadline referenced in recent communications falls on Monday, February 9. A demand circulating in recent coverage describes payment by 7:00 p.m. ET (corresponding to 5:00 p.m. local time in Arizona). Investigators have not publicly confirmed the precise terms of any demand, and officials have urged anyone with credible information to come forward directly to authorities.

Recent commentary from former federal law-enforcement officials has also raised doubts about whether the case fits a typical kidnapping pattern, citing the lack of publicly confirmed proof of life and rapidly changing ransom amounts as reasons for skepticism. Authorities have not endorsed that view publicly and continue to treat the matter as a serious missing-person investigation with possible criminal elements.

Family response and public appeals

Savannah Guthrie and relatives have made public appeals for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. The family has emphasized urgency and expressed willingness to do what they can to bring her home, while the investigation proceeds.

Officials have remained cautious in public briefings, sharing only limited details that do not compromise active leads. They have not publicly stated whether the family is coordinating with investigators on any communications, but such coordination is common practice in cases involving alleged ransom demands.

What to watch next in the case

Investigators appear focused on three near-term priorities: (1) validating or debunking the authenticity of ransom communications, (2) forensically processing evidence collected from relevant locations, and (3) continuing targeted searches based on incoming tips.

Key takeaways:

• Police have increased on-site security at Nancy Guthrie’s home while the investigation continues.

• A ransom-related deadline tied to February 9 has heightened urgency, though core details remain unverified publicly.

• No suspect has been publicly identified, and authorities say the case remains active and developing.

Sources consulted: People; CBS News; Axios; Fox 10 Phoenix