Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said it is a 'race against time' to find Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television presenter Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her home in Arizona.
Authorities believe Mrs Guthrie was taken 'against her will' in the early hours of Sunday morning. She was reported missing after failing to attend church later that day. Police attended her property in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, where she was last seen at approximately 9.45pm on Saturday night.
In an interview on February 3, Sheriff Nanos told NBC's Today programme that 'it is a race against time' and that he hopes the 'window hasn't closed'. He also reported that possible DNA evidence had been found at the scene, though it could take days to analyse. 'She is in need of medication – medication that if she doesn't have in 24 hours, could be fatal,' he said.
The investigation is entering its third day. Sheriff Nanos confirmed that authorities are using drones, heat sensors, infrared, helicopters and aircraft, as well as search-and-rescue dogs from US Customs and Border Protection. The FBI has also offered assistance. 'We saw some things at the home which were concerning to us,' he added.
Savannah Guthrie appealed on Instagram: 'Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.'
