A missing person case in Tucson has taken a disturbing turn as authorities now treat it as a criminal investigation.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home Saturday night under circumstances that immediately raised red flags for investigators.
Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County declared Monday morning that search crews have been pulled back because they’re no longer treating this as a typical missing person case.
“We don’t see this as a search mission so much as it is a crime scene,” Nanos told reporters.
What Makes This Case Unusual
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her residence in Tucson. Family members reported her missing around noon Sunday after receiving a call from someone at church noting her absence.
When asked why investigators believe foul play is involved, Sheriff Nanos pointed to specific evidence at the scene. He noted that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and said other indicators suggested she didn’t leave voluntarily, though he declined to provide additional details.
This is not dementia related. She’s as sharp as a tack. The family wants everyone to know that this isn’t someone who just wandered off.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Nancy Guthrie, who lives alone, is of sound mind. She requires daily medication, adding urgency to her safe return.
Homicide Team Involvement Signals Seriousness
In an unusual move, homicide detectives joined the investigation from the start. Nanos acknowledged this isn’t standard protocol for missing person cases.
This one stood out because of what was described to us at the scene and what we located just looking at the scene.
During Sunday night’s news conference, Nanos said he was not ruling out foul play. By Monday morning, the investigative approach had shifted dramatically.
Initial search efforts included drones, search dogs, volunteers, Border Patrol assistance, and search and rescue teams. These resources worked through Sunday night before being pulled back Monday.
Family Response and Support
Savannah Guthrie issued a statement Monday morning through NBC’s “Today” show, where she serves as co-anchor.
On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Nancy.
“Today” opened Monday’s broadcast with news of the co-anchor’s mother’s disappearance, but Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the anchor’s desk. Sheriff Nanos confirmed during his Monday news conference that she traveled to Arizona.
Savannah Guthrie has deep roots in Tucson, having grown up there and graduated from University of Arizona.
Nancy Guthrie’s Connection to Tucson
Just months before her disappearance, Nancy Guthrie appeared in a November 2025 story her daughter produced about their hometown. During a meal together, Savannah asked her mother what drew the family to plant roots in Tucson during the 1970s.
It’s so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life. It’s laid back and gentle.
Nancy shared her affection for desert life, mentioning she enjoys watching javelina eat her plants—a charming detail that now feels particularly poignant.
What Happens Next
Authorities continue processing Nancy Guthrie’s home as a crime scene rather than conducting active searches. This strategic shift suggests investigators believe they’ll find answers through forensic evidence and detective work rather than ground searches.
Key factors working against a simple missing person scenario include:
- Limited mobility making voluntary departure unlikely
- Sharp mental state ruling out confusion or wandering
- Evidence at the scene that investigators won’t publicly detail
- Need for daily medication she wouldn’t have abandoned
- Living alone with no witnesses to her movements
Sheriff Nanos has been careful not to reveal specific evidence that might compromise the investigation. His measured statements suggest detectives are following leads they consider credible but need time to develop.
For Nancy Guthrie’s family and the national audience following this case, the transition from missing person search to criminal investigation represents a frightening development. Yet it also means law enforcement is dedicating significant resources and expertise toward finding answers.
Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance should contact Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately.