A federal court-authorized search was conducted late Friday night at a residence in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show, authorities confirmed Saturday. No arrests were made during the search, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
The search took place approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, and involved units from both the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics teams, passed through roadblocks established for the operation. A Range Rover SUV was as well towed from a nearby Culver’s restaurant parking lot during the investigation, according to reports.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31st when family members dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Concern grew when she did not attend a service at her church, prompting her family to contact authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initiated a search that quickly expanded to include federal officers from Border Patrol.
Investigators have stated that Nancy Guthrie is not in good physical health and requires daily medication. Her disappearance prompted a public plea from Savannah Guthrie, who shared home movie footage of her mother and family on social media, stating, “Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.”
The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction to $100,000. Authorities are currently analyzing thousands of tips received from the public since the disappearance was reported on February 1st. DNA collected at Nancy Guthrie’s property that does not belong to her or anyone close to her is currently being tested, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
Investigators are also analyzing video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s doorbell camera, which shows a man described as being between 5’9” and 5’10” tall, wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, tampering with the camera the morning she disappeared. While a man was briefly detained and a home was searched earlier in the investigation, authorities indicated they are “leaning away” from considering him a suspect, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Reports of purported ransom notes sent to news outlets have also surfaced, though two deadlines for payment have passed without resolution. The FBI has not released details regarding the content or authenticity of these notes.
