In a deeply concerning development, the elderly mother of prominent NBC Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie has been forcibly taken from her Arizona residence during the night, with authorities now treating the disappearance as a kidnapping case.
Police Confirm Criminal Act in Disappearance
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed that investigators believe 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills area, just north of Tucson, against her will. The incident is believed to have occurred in the middle of the night between Saturday and Sunday, transforming the property into what police describe as an active crime scene.
"We have an 84-year-old woman who went to bed Saturday night and come Sunday morning, she's gone," Sheriff Nanos stated during a press briefing. "We know, at least we believe, and I believe we know, she did not walk out of that home on her own."
Last Sighting and Mobility Concerns
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at approximately 9:30pm local time on Saturday evening at her residence. Authorities have revealed that the pensioner struggles with mobility issues, which has significantly informed their assessment that she could not have left the property voluntarily.
Sheriff Nanos elaborated on Nancy's condition, noting: "She is really just as sharp as a tack. And that too is concerning that here you have this lady who's got all her wits about her, she knows what's going on. So yeah, somebody came into that home, and I believe took her out there without her permission."
Investigation Progress and Evidence Collection
Law enforcement officials are pursuing multiple investigative avenues in their urgent search for the missing woman. The police are currently working with various technology vendors to download and review home security footage from the area surrounding the Guthrie residence.
Additionally, forensic teams have collected what they believe to be biological DNA evidence from the scene. Sheriff Nanos confirmed: "What we have done is we have taken what we believe is biological DNA type evidence, and we are submitting it to our labs, crime labs ... Basically, they'll do a rapid search."
Family Connection and Public Response
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, who has co-anchored NBC's Today show since July 2012. The journalist has previously spoken publicly about her close relationship with her mother, describing her in heartfelt social media tributes.
On Nancy's 78th birthday, Savannah posted an Instagram carousel with the message: "Happy birthday to a mother like no other. My mom Nancy is my heart and my everything and my model for what a mother should be. Thank you, God, for her 78 beautiful years! Happy birthday, mama!!!"
The disappearance was initially reported when a friend noticed that Nancy had failed to attend her regular Sunday morning church service, prompting immediate concern and the subsequent police investigation.
Community Support and Investigation Integrity
Since news of the kidnapping broke, Savannah Guthrie's extensive fan base has reportedly offered assistance with the investigation. While acknowledging this public support, Sheriff Nanos emphasised the importance of maintaining investigative integrity.
"We really do have an obligation to protect the integrity of this investigation, of any investigation," the sheriff stated, indicating that while public tips are welcome, the formal investigation must follow proper procedural protocols.
Nancy Guthrie, an Arizona resident, is known to have at least two grandchildren. The investigation continues as authorities work around the clock to locate the missing woman and apprehend those responsible for what they have unequivocally classified as a criminal abduction.
