Disturbing new evidence has emerged in the search for the elderly mother of prominent television presenter Savannah Guthrie, with police confirming the discovery of blood droplets at the missing woman's Arizona residence.
Grim Discovery at Home
Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, have revealed that droplets of blood were found on the front steps of the home belonging to 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing over the weekend. The grandmother, who is the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Saturday night, January 31st, when a family member dropped her off at her residence around 9:45pm.
Police are now treating the disappearance as a potential criminal act, though no arrests have been made at this stage. The investigation intensified after a church friend contacted the Guthrie family expressing concern when Nancy failed to attend Sunday service, which prompted her children to search the property for an hour before calling emergency services at noon on Sunday.
Forensic Investigation Underway
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided details about the forensic examination of the scene, stating: "Our team processed it like they would any crime scene. We look for things like blood, DNA, any kind of physical evidence - fingerprints - anything and all of that is gathered and submitted to a lab."
The sheriff elaborated on the evidence collection, noting: "We took some samples that we hope will have enough profile of a DNA profile that gives us some identification as to what we are looking at." However, he clarified that laboratory results have so far not provided definitive answers about who might be responsible for Nancy's disappearance.
Concerning Circumstances
Police have disclosed several troubling details about the case. Nancy Guthrie's car and mobile phone were both left behind at her home, and authorities have emphasised that she has limited mobility and requires daily medication, warning that missing doses "could be fatal."
In response to the disappearance, authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 (approximately £1,800) for information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie or provide leads in the investigation.
Family's Public Appeal
Savannah Guthrie, the 54-year-old television presenter, broke her silence on the matter through social media on Monday, posting a heartfelt plea for prayers. She shared an image with the words "PLEASE PRAY" against a golden background, accompanied by a caption expressing her family's faith and hope.
"We believe in prayer," Savannah wrote. "We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him." She continued with a personal tribute to her mother, describing Nancy as "a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant," and asked the public to "raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment."
The investigation continues as police work to determine the significance of the blood evidence and pursue all possible leads in what has become a deeply concerning missing persons case that has captured national attention.
